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113. The Mailbox – Healing from the Mother Wound: Letting Go of the Hope That Keeps You Stuck
Manage episode 472232618 series 2947834
In this mailbox episode, we dive into a listener question from Amy (name changed for privacy), who is struggling with the trauma bond with her narcissistic and emotionally neglectful mother. Amy shares her experience of emotional neglect, manipulation, gaslighting, and rejection—all while navigating the complicated reality of trying to maintain boundaries.
Drs. Gemma and Justine discuss:
✔ What a trauma bond with a parent looks like – Why it’s so difficult to break free
✔ The cycle of hope & rejection – Why emotionally neglectful parents keep you in a state of longing
✔ How narcissistic parents offload their shame onto their children – Understanding the “shame exchange”
✔ Why boundaries feel impossible with a narcissistic mother – The emotional toll of walking on eggshells
✔ Grief and healing – The painful but necessary process of accepting that your mother will never be the mother you needed
✔ Moving forward – Why reparenting yourself is key, and how to start choosing healthier relationships
This is a deeply validating episode for anyone struggling with a difficult or narcissistic parent. If you’ve ever felt stuck in an unhealthy dynamic, confused by your mother’s inconsistent behavior, or burdened with guilt for setting boundaries, this discussion is for you.
🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
📌 Episode 104 – Understanding Trauma Bonds
📌 The Red Flag Project – Learn how to break free from toxic relationship patterns – theredflagproject.com
📌 Schema Coaching & Support – Work with Dr. Gemma Gladstone
✨ Connect with Me
📷 Instagram: @drgemmagladstone
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: drgemmagladstone.com
🩷 Love Wisely
Doors are closed, but join the WAITLIST for the next cohort (Sept 2025): Join here
🚩 The Red Flag Project
Get instant access to the online course: Access now
🌻 Support the Podcast
Love the show? Help us keep going with a monthly contribution: Support here
128 episodes
Manage episode 472232618 series 2947834
In this mailbox episode, we dive into a listener question from Amy (name changed for privacy), who is struggling with the trauma bond with her narcissistic and emotionally neglectful mother. Amy shares her experience of emotional neglect, manipulation, gaslighting, and rejection—all while navigating the complicated reality of trying to maintain boundaries.
Drs. Gemma and Justine discuss:
✔ What a trauma bond with a parent looks like – Why it’s so difficult to break free
✔ The cycle of hope & rejection – Why emotionally neglectful parents keep you in a state of longing
✔ How narcissistic parents offload their shame onto their children – Understanding the “shame exchange”
✔ Why boundaries feel impossible with a narcissistic mother – The emotional toll of walking on eggshells
✔ Grief and healing – The painful but necessary process of accepting that your mother will never be the mother you needed
✔ Moving forward – Why reparenting yourself is key, and how to start choosing healthier relationships
This is a deeply validating episode for anyone struggling with a difficult or narcissistic parent. If you’ve ever felt stuck in an unhealthy dynamic, confused by your mother’s inconsistent behavior, or burdened with guilt for setting boundaries, this discussion is for you.
🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
📌 Episode 104 – Understanding Trauma Bonds
📌 The Red Flag Project – Learn how to break free from toxic relationship patterns – theredflagproject.com
📌 Schema Coaching & Support – Work with Dr. Gemma Gladstone
✨ Connect with Me
📷 Instagram: @drgemmagladstone
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: drgemmagladstone.com
🩷 Love Wisely
Doors are closed, but join the WAITLIST for the next cohort (Sept 2025): Join here
🚩 The Red Flag Project
Get instant access to the online course: Access now
🌻 Support the Podcast
Love the show? Help us keep going with a monthly contribution: Support here
128 episodes
All episodes
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