Meet New Books
Meet New Books
Book Cover

Mothers Who Can't Love: A Healing Guide for Daughters

Save:
Find on Amazon

"Mothers Who Can't Love: A Healing Guide for Daughters" by Susan Forward is a practical guide that delves into the complex mother-daughter relationship, focusing on the impact of toxic maternal behavior on daughters' lives. Through personal stories and categorized descriptions of different types of problematic mothers, the author provides powerful tools and exercises for healing from emotional scars and setting boundaries. The writing style is described as clear, respectful, and empathetic, offering a deeper understanding of maternal relationships and attachment traumas.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is direct and compassionate, making complex topics of emotional abuse approachable and relatable.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot delves into the complex and often painful dynamics of toxic motherhood, illustrating real-life experiences and the consequences of emotional abuse.

Setting:

The setting revolves around the familial sphere, emphasizing the struggles within mother-daughter relationships.

Pacing:

The pacing balances personal narratives with helpful exercises, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences.
We may think we live in very psychologically aware times, but we haven’t yet managed to shake off our mythical version of motherhood—the myth that says a mother by definition is capable of love, prote...

Notes:

Cutting ties with toxic parents can lead to criticism from others when those parents age or fall ill.
Some toxic parents manipulate their children using guilt, claiming they owe them care or money because they are aging or alone.
Emotional blackmail is a common tactic used by toxic mothers to control their daughters' actions and decisions.
The author, Susan Forward, emphasizes that not all family relationships are salvageable and it’s okay to let go if necessary.
Readers appreciate the book for providing a clear understanding of harmful mother-daughter dynamics and practical tools for healing.
Many women find solace in shared stories of similar struggles with their toxic mothers, revealing a sense of community and understanding.
The book categorizes mothers into types, helping readers identify their specific situations and emotions related to maternal toxicity.
Forward's approach is respectful and empowering, unlike some therapists who might suggest enduring harmful relationships.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include emotional abuse, neglect, and discussions surrounding toxic family dynamics.

From The Publisher:

With Mothers Who Can't Love: A Healing Guide for Daughters, Susan Forward, Ph.D., author of the smash #1 bestseller Toxic Parents, offers a powerful look at the devastating impact unloving mothers have on their daughters-and provides clear, effective techniques for overcoming that painful legacy.

In more than 35 years as a therapist, Forward has worked with large numbers of women struggling to escape the emotional damage inflicted by the women who raised them. Subjected to years of criticism, competition, role-reversal, smothering control, emotional neglect and abuse, these women are plagued by anxiety and depression, relationship problems, lack of confidence, and difficulties with trust. They doubt their worth, and even their ability to love.

Forward examines the Narcissistic Mother, the Competitive Mother, the Overly Enmeshed mother, the Control Freak, Mothers who need Mothering, and mothers who abuse or fail to protect their daughters from abuse.

Filled with compelling case histories, Mothers Who Can't Love outlines the self-help techniques Forward has developed to transform the lives of her clients, showing women how to overcome the pain of childhood and how to act in their own best interests.

Warm and compassionate, Mothers Who Can't Love offers daughters the emotional support and tools they need to heal themselves and rebuild their confidence and self-respect.

Reader Stats (2):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (1)
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.