The Mother Wound

Have you heard the expression, “I married my mother” (or father). Well, that actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it through an attachment lens. You see, our first relationships have the greatest impact and influence, consciously and unconsciously, on how we perceive the world and those in it. This is natural, healthy, and expected. However, if there were aspects of your early relationships you do not want to bring forward into your adult life, you may find my recent blog post use…

Every year when the ball drops, revelers around the nation hear the song “Auld Lang Syne” spread the message of leaving behind things we no longer want in the old year so we can bring our dreams into the new year. Often these gestures lead to a sense of disappointment, helplessness, and failure. The exact opposite of the intended resolution!
Read my recent blog post to learn more.

In life, we may find ourselves interacting with others in particular patterns. The awareness of these patterns is more common now than ever, as we have better language and understanding that explains why and how these attachments occur. Read my recent blog post to learn more.

As the holidays approach and family gatherings are planned, it’s natural to become aware of the traditions held by our family of origin. Whether these are religious ceremonies, meal rituals, or guidelines for gathering, there are many ways that we either preserve or discontinue the passing of customs. While some traditions offer joy and connection, some become a source of confusion or even contention as we reach adulthood. As we evolve from children, to adolescents, to adults, we have the power …

‘Tis the season for special traditions, twinkling lights, and navigating family dynamics. Whether you're heading home for the holidays, or simply staying in town, the most wonderful time of the year can become the most stressful time of the year when personalities and preferences collide. By intentionally setting boundaries ahead of time, we can lessen the impact of challenging family dynamics over the holiday season.  Read my recent blog post to learn more.

Anger. This heavy word carries with it a burdensome load of emotions, especially for those who experienced a Mother Wound. For many in this situation, they were taught that anger is wrong to feel and “bad” to express. As a result, the complexity of emotions beneath the anger is left unattended. When the layers of anger are peeled back, many discover a well of hurt that drives their thoughts, actions, and emotional patterns. In order to heal, the anger needs to be recognized, shared and befriende…

Many of us go through life carrying around unexamined baggage from our childhoods in one way or another—and we sometimes pass it on without even realizing it. So how do we break the cycle?

With a person-centered approach, holistic techniques, and a trauma-informed lens, we as clinicians can help Daughters of Critical Mothers overcome their trauma. Within the safe space of the relationship, these resilient women own their story, step into the light, and learn to reach their highest potential.

From the moment we enter this world, we look to our mother figure for safety, security, and a sense of belonging. As our primary attachment figure, the mother’s presence plays an immensely significant role in self-development. What happens when the maternal presence is inconsistent, critical, or even toxic?