What Inside Out teaches us about a pursue withdraw cycle

In this scene from inside Out, Riley's parents have noticed that she hasn't been happy since they have moved. They are desperate to try to work out what's going on, but the more they probe, the more frustrated Riley becomes.

In Family Therapy terms, this could be a considered to be a pursue-withdraw cycle. The more the parents pursue, the more Riley withdraws.

If Family Therapy were to work with this family, they might start by supporting the parents to create space for Riley to talk, but for the purpose of this example, it would be helpful to take a moment to empathise with the struggle that this family is going through. The parents know they are losing connection with their daughter and don't know what to do, while Riley finds herself cornered and just ends up acting out in frustration.

Family Therapists do aim to change unhelpful interactions within a family, but the first step is always to empathise with everyone involved.