defensive?


"It's hard not to be on the defensive, after a lifetime of being defensive," she said.

"Of COURSE you're defensive...it makes all the sense in the world that you're defensive," I replied. "I'm defensive, too."

"Oh wow...why do I feel like crying with relief?" she asked.

"Because you've been making yourself wrong for being defensive," I answered. "Getting mad at yourself for being defensive is like getting mad at yourself for shivering when you're cold. We're biologically wired for it."

"It feels like you just pulled a thread that will unravel so much shit I haven't known what to do with," she added.

"That's my specialty. And the good news is...it's now yours, too."

Much, much love,

Karen

Got shit to unravel? I'm your girl. Click here to schedule a consult.

"I don't think I have ever read a book which resonated more with me or touched me on such a deep emotional level. It is personal and intimate, not one of those emotionally detached self help books." ~ a reader

Karen C.L. Anderson

The Shame Whispereruthor of You Are Not Your Mother: Releasing Generational Trauma & Shame and Difficult Mothers, Adult Daughters: A Guide for Separation, Liberation & Inspiration

Read more from Karen C.L. Anderson

You might be an adult daughter navigating a painful relationship with your mother. You might be a mother trying to break generational patterns. You might be someone who has carried shame for so long you've forgotten what it feels like to flourish. You... Want to dismantle the shame that keeps you small Are willing to face difficult truths with compassion Crave joy but struggle to make it feel safe Need support navigating complex family relationships Are tired of self-help that demands you...

[PreS: I am offering $500 off a 12-session package through the end of the year. See below for more] You never have to explain or justify yourself. If you've been conditioned to wait for someone (your mother) to tell you that your decisions are good or bad or right or wrong, then the freedom to choose what you want won't feel like freedom, it will feel like a threat. ~~~ I once worked with a client who wanted to set boundaries with her mother. She had written a letter and planned to read it to...

Conversation with a client (with her permission): "Just the thought of setting a boundary with her brings up guilt, shame, responsibility...my mother has health issues and expects me to do everything for her so she can remain living on her own, when she should be in assisted living. She's had this sort of control over me my whole life." I asked her how she wants it to be. "I just want it to be friendly and kind and caring," she said. “I'd like my mom to give a shit about my life, have respect...