Discovering the Inner Mother

September 21, 2020
Webster, facilitator of workshops based on her personal healing method, debuts with a comforting if diffuse explanation of her methods for alleviating “intergenerational trauma” among women. She defines the “Mother Wound” as the effect on women of the “pervasive, patriarchal, capitalist cultures rooted in colonization and destruction of the earth that have come to dominate much of the world,” which manifest as “a set of internalized limiting beliefs and patterns.” She discusses various ways this plays out—silencing women’s voices, placing women in reductive roles—and provides prompts for how the reader may respond. To do so, Webster uses composite examples of her workshop students that illustrate her teachings, followed by discussion questions. For instance, Webster tells the story of a woman whose mother raised her as a “surrogate spouse” and “family mediator,” distorting her sense of independence as an adult. Webster then uses this case study to spur readers to question how “principles of patriarchy” have affected their own life. Unfortunately, there isn’t much in the way of guidance here, and Webster mentions—but never shares—her “seven-step process” to “support other women in healing the Mother Wound,” which gives the book at times the feel of being a marketing extension of her workshops. Women who grapple with self-limiting beliefs may glean some insights from the examples given, but the dearth of concrete advice is a disappointment.

November 13, 2020

In her debut book, writer and life coach Webster presents a guide to help women recognize, address, and heal their "mother wound," defined by the author as "a set of internalized limiting beliefs...that originate from the early dynamics with our mothers." While sons can have mother wounds, this volume focuses on those experienced by daughters. Healing one's mother wound requires women to shift from needing external approval to relying instead on inner acceptance, providing them with the nurturing and support that may not have been possible from their own mothers owing to patriarchal limitations in society. When individuals work to heal their mother wounds, the author maintains, true growth and connection with others are possible, which eventually leads to larger societal change. Webster candidly shares her own transformative journey and offers questions for reflection and exercises to allow readers to better come to terms with their past, but those looking for more in-depth guidance or information on how to avoid inflicting a mother wound on their children may have to supplement elsewhere. VERDICT Those with estranged or difficult relationships with their mothers will find affirmation. Good for collections strong in feminist works or the psychology of family dynamics.--Anitra Gates, Erie Cty. P.L., PA

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