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."
First time here?
I'm so glad you stopped by. If you're like me, a Good Daughter in recovery, you've found yourself wondering, "What is wrong with my mother?!"
Maybe you're feeling the impact of a strained mother/daughter relationship. Maybe your romantic relationship is struggling because mom just won't let go. Or maybe you've found yourself just not feeling "good" enough. Whatever it is, you're dealing with a difficult mother.
As a licensed psychotherapist with over 30 years experience treating women, I know all about those. In fact, I've organized everything I've learned about dealing with a difficult mother. You know there's a problem, and we can find the solution together here.
Katherine
Articles by
Katherine Fabrizio M.A., Psychotherapist, Author, Speaker
If You Dread Your Upcoming Visit With Your Mother- This Could Help
Standing in the card aisle looking for a Mother’s Day card, you freeze. [The same holds true for all holidays and required gift giving celebrations.] Nothing seems to fit how you feel. All of the cards you see describe a mother/daughter relationship you don’t recognize. Sappy. Sugary sweet. Over the top. “ARGGG, Why do I have […]
What Happens When Mothers Cling to Their Daughters- The Destructive Effects
When Mom clings to her daughter and stops looking for closeness with her husband… she sets a dysfunctional destructive cycle in motion. This destructive dynamic happens all too easily. Dad says something clueless or in mom’s view, thoughtless, and a knowing glance towards her daughter is followed by an EYEROLL. Before you know it, mom […]
When Mom Looks to Her Daughter To Be Her Emotional Partner- Why Maternal Parentification Is a Problem
( Here is what maternal parentification looks like) “Help, my Mother won’t let go- Mom calls me many times a day and I don’t pick up. I put off calling her back as long as I can.I know this hurts her feelings but what she doesn’t realize is this – “I am swamped with guilt, I […]
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.
