Harriet Lerner on Mothers and Daughters

Breaking the Patterns That Keep You Stuck

By: Harriet Lerner PhD

Narrated by: Harriet Lerner PhD

Before a woman is anything else, she is a daughter. Her relationship with her mother anchors every other relationship in her life. Yet as an adult she may still blame her mother, try to change her, or fail to speak out about issues that matter.

Harriet Lerner on Mothers and Daughters is a personal conversation for every woman who seeks to better understand the mystery of the mother-daughter bond. Dr. Lerner illustrates why our mothers inevitably disappoint us, and why it is so hard to stay connected—and stay ourselves—when differences arise.
With specific skills and guidelines for changing the patterns that keep us stuck, Harriet Lerner on Mothers and Daughters represents this esteemed psychologist's most complete work on the central relationship in the emotional lives of women.

Course objectives:
• Dissect the primal relationship at the core of the mother-daughter bond
• Discuss how family and social pressures devalue motherhood and sabotage the mother-daughter dialogue
• Inspect how our relationship with our mother anchors all other relationships in our lives
• Analyze several mother-daughter case studies
• Identify family triangles and find methods of undoing them
• Develop a genuine appreciation of our differences through hearing our mother's history

Wish there were more tangible ideas to improve relationships

This book did give me a few things to think about when evaluating my relationship with my mother. Aside from being objective and putting myself in her shoes (I’m oversimplifying), there’s not as much here to work with as I’d like. I enjoy Dr. Lerner’s work; I just wish I could get more specific ways to address things, including navigating difficult conversations.

Useful Application of Family Systems Theory

Bowen Family Systems theory, feminist theory. and other major principles are represented as the author guides listeners in examining the impact our relationships with our mothers has on our lives.
Generally helpful examples are provided, and the author takes the position of experienced therapist, mentor, and fellow journeyman.

interesting

This short book summarizes the importance of differentiation in a mother-daughter relationship. It explains why being able to accept differences in others begings with accepting the differences between mother and daughter and maintaining a dialogue.

Excellent insight into a complex relationship

Harriet Lerner has changed my view of motherhood. Her words are insightful, thoughtful and potent.

A must have as a participant and guide!

Such a beautiful depiction of such an intricately necessary and delicately personal relationship between women.