First published 2021
Adults who grew up with emotionally immature, unavailable, or selfish parents often carry invisible wounds into their adult lives. They struggle with anger, sadness, resentment, and shame while habitually placing others' needs before their own. Psychologist Lindsay C. Gibson builds on her previous work to provide concrete daily practices for healing these deep patterns. The book teaches readers how to set healthy boundaries, validate their own emotions, and protect themselves from harmful behavior. Gibson addresses the core challenge these adults face: they learned that setting limits was selfish and that seeking approval mattered more than authenticity. Her approach focuses on practical tools for managing stress, building confidence, and creating healthier relationships. The guide helps readers reclaim their sense of self and learn that taking care of themselves first is not only acceptable but necessary for genuine well-being.
Genres: family, psychology, mental-health, self-help, adult, non-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: healing, self-discovery
248 pages · Kindle Edition · New Harbinger Publications
Content warnings: emotional-abuse, mental-illness