I too have had been exposed to alot of negative things as a child, and my family still have negative tendencies that cause an upset tick in me. My boyfriend keeps me level headed when visiting them and i keep him level headed when we visit his mom and step dad. He is very aware now of how his emotional trigger towards his mom and hes handled it very well. He has developed a great defense and no tolerance towards her which has been working out. He and i having childhood issues and us learning and discovering together has brought us closer and also allows us to bare more of our vulnerable side to each other. I am the closest person i his life that has reflected him om himself… What i mean is i make him aware and conscious of who he is. I always help put things in perspective and offer him great advice as his journey goes along. I have used my childhood battles as purpose  to grow and stay conscious and to never become people like my family.