The Good Daughter Syndrome
When the attuned, sensitive, and compassionate daughter of a narcissistic/borderline/addicted or difficult mother feels pressure to be good for mom, make mom look good or make sure mom is okay, she is trapped in the Good Daughter Syndrome.
"I can never make mom happy. No matter what I do, it's never good enough. I'm never good enough."
Realizing you have been trapped in the "Good Daughter" role can be unsettling. It goes straight to the core of who you are and whom you love. I get that.
In my 30 years of counseling women I can tell you, this problem is far more prevalent than you would guess. You are not alone.
The good news is this; identifying the "Good Daughter" syndrome is the first step in turning it around for yourself and making sure you don’t pass it on to your daughter.
Awareness is power.
Articles by
Katherine Fabrizio M.A., Psychotherapist, Author, Speaker
Here’s Why Choosing Mom Over Your Partner Is Destructive
It’s a terrible choice to have to make. When you have to choose between your partner and Mom – it can be gut wrenching. Your childhood self is programmed to obey and respond to mom. You feel guilty if you don’t choose mom. On the other hand, you know you need to choose your partner […]
Here Are 3 Ways The Pain of Your Childhood Can Make You A Better Mother
” I don’t want to mess up my daughter the way my mom messed me up.” Yep, EVERY mother on my psychotherapy couch ( especially the “good” daughter) who has a difficult mother and is now raising a daughter has the worry she will make the same mistakes her mother made and leave her […]
Choosing Mom Over Your Partner Is Ruining Your Sex Life
Her timing is impeccable. Just when you are starting to get intimate with your partner your cell goes off…”Hold on sweetie; I’ve got to get this. It’s mom calling!” Good lord, the invasion of Iraq didn’t take this much planning.Your oldest is having a play date, SCORE! The baby down for a nap, SCORE! Your libido is […]
Why is mom so difficult?
Many daughters of Narcissistic, Borderline or Histrionic personality disordered mothers struggle with anxiety, depression and relationship issues.
This free guide tells you how each disorder 1) presents itself 2) what caused it 3) and how it effects you. Understanding is the first step towards freedom.
"Katherine Fabrizio... sees. She sees with the eyes of her soul and reflects to the eyes of her client. She does not boast any knowing, instead, she lets her client reveal him/herself in a safe and all-loving space.
...She sees so that others might know. Know the next step to take, know that their feelings are warranted, and know how to heal their wounds.
Few things have the power to postiviely change an entire life. Katherine Fabrizio changed mine."
- B.B.
