Mothers Who Can't Love

A Healing Guide for Daughters

By: Susan Forward, Donna Frazier Glynn

Narrated by: Susan Forward, Kathleen Gati, Julia Whelan, Cherise Boothe, David Atlas

Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

With Mothers Who Can't Love: A Healing Guide for Daughters, Susan Forward, Ph.D., author of the smash number one best seller 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.

©2013 Susan Forward (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

Buckle Up.

I hate this book. Not because of the quality of the content or the narration- both were superb- but because of how much pain I was in when I connected all the dots in regard to my own maternal relationship. A mom is supposed to be the safe haven from the cruelty of the world, she’s the most important relationship a human has in life. What do you do if your Mother-figure is incapable of love? What if she uses, abuses, and manipulates you just as a demented hobby? This book made me realize my surrogate mother is a villain. That realization was important but far from enjoyable. Some people were born evil, some of them are women, and some of them have children. Being those children hurts like hell. Make sure you are in a stable point in your life before you read this book.

Another example of a book that would have been better if it were read by a professional rather than the author.

Not every author should read their own audio book. Sometimes (many times) this should be left to a professional. This is one of those books. It’s hard to listen to this book because the author is also the reader.
In summary: The substance and subject matter are around a 4 star. However the performance is no higher than a two star.
It’s unfortunate because I didn’t listen to this book in its entirety due to the reader. But if you don’t mind this reader then go for it.

Must read

I recommend this auther,her work set me on the path of healing since 2015.she was the force that moved me.

I needed some guidance

This book was so helpful about the challenges daughters face with unhealthy mothers. I realized that my mother would fall under the sadistic category and choosing not to deal with her is the best thing to do; since she will never acknowledge her part, or get help with her depression. I loved the final chapters about how to deal with the backlash of family members once you take that step to cut your mother off. I am a bit of a people pleaser when it comes to those close to me and will allow them to cross boundaries, so this gave some suggestions for that. Great read.

Such A Helpful Resource!

Initially I was a bit skeptical about whether I’d find this book helpful. I must say that if you are considering this book, then I highly recommend giving it a listen. Susan Forward provides helpful insight and exercises that are sure to get you on a path to more clarity and hopefully healing (if seeking it). Definitely glad I found this book!

Intensely relatable and truly helpful

Felt personal when reading it, felt as though was having a one on one converstation with the author. beautifully explained and clear honest solutions.

Brilliant

Brilliant, easy to understand book about a tremendously difficult topic. Such a great potential for healing and peace for daughters everywhere.

Superbly written and narrated...a healing guide.

So many emotions listening to this book.... Dr. Forward is amazing. This is a must-read for women like me, who had a mother who just couldn’t and can’t love. I felt anger, sadness and hope listening to this book. I’ve also gained clarity and validation. Thank you, Dr. Forward.

Very good reference material

Many ah-ha moments and had example and tools to help you begin a journey of healing and identifying your narcissistic mother-daughter relationships.

chapter 14-16 are best<br />

not bad, chapters 14-16 are useful... the rest was a list of examples of unloving mothers