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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To want my mum to be a mum not everyone's therapist

42 replies

Iwishmymumwouldbemymum · 16/07/2023 21:20

Ok I'm a middle aged woman (and a mother) myself so quite prepared to be told to get a grip.

Does anyone else have a mother who is a therapist and feels like they never get the mum treatment?

This has literally gone on for decades. A teenage boy would break my heart and I'd long for a tirade about what a bastard he is and instead I'd be reasonably and coldly told that things come to an end and this is simply how he chose to do it.

I had a traumatic week with my partner (not the first), the police were called and they told me to take DC to a family member. I literally felt ill at the thought of going to her house. I knew it would be an analytical conversation about what's happening instead of what i really wanted; hugs and reassurance.

Also, I feel things get turned around on me all the time.

If she insults me, my appearance, my achievements or whatever under the guise of humour and I say "please don't insult me" I'll get a sneery response like "oh is external validation very important?"

She's also said downright nasty things to me and when I've said to her later that it was hurtful she will counter with stuff like "that never happened. You are projecting".

It's exhausting, horrible and makes me feel like I don't count.

Can anyone relate?

OP posts:
BreatheFocusRelax · 16/07/2023 21:26

I can kinda relate to where your coming from.
My Mum has never been there for me when I've need her the most. I felt like my feelings were pushed aside.
Hope your okay.
Sending you lots of love & hugs xx

WeveLostSightOfWhatANormalHoodieSizeIs · 16/07/2023 21:27

She actually sounds unkind and manipulative, vs a bit too stuck in her therapist role. I hate to say this but I genuinely wonder if you might benefit from a good therapist to help you work through it. Possibly a little time apart too?

jennyjones198080 · 16/07/2023 21:31

Yes I can absolutely relate! I have a long thread about my mother.

I am so sorry your mum hasn’t been there for you.

i absolutely understand mourning the mother you never had. It’s sad and infuriating.

I am trying to accept my mother will never change. There are glimpses - but even if I am unwell or upset she makes it all about her. She will get upset - I thinks it’s empathy - but it’s to shift the attention to her. How my being upset has impacted her.

no answers - but I send you hugs🥰

Coffeetree · 16/07/2023 21:32

Wow that's awful. I think some messed-up people become therapists tbh. I've known a few therapists who really get into the psychobabble, or what ppl now call "weaponised therapy-speak". I agree, a little distance would be good.

Conkersinautumn · 16/07/2023 21:38

I'd be putting up some serious barriers between her and me, she sounds cold and actually cruel. Greyrock all the way. Just be sure to recommend the therapist you find to deal with all.of this to friends and family.

FlopsiesAngrySandwich · 16/07/2023 21:40

Sounds like she'd be a shit therapist. I am sorry. 💐

Psychonabike · 16/07/2023 21:43

The examples you give do sound like weaponised therapy speak...eek. No wonder you feel as you do. It's all so condescending when you just need some support.

nothingcomestonothing · 16/07/2023 21:51

Is your mum Leonard's mum from the big bang theory?!

If she treats her clients like she treats you she doesn't sound like a good therapist. I'm sorry she's not the mum you deserve Flowers

Ihatepickingausername3 · 16/07/2023 22:00

I’m so sorry OP. This isn’t a therapist thing. I am a therapist, and I would never respond like that to one of my children :(

YANBU in the slightest. She sounds very cold.

thecatinthetwat · 16/07/2023 22:06

My old therapist used to give ‘good’ examples of how to challenge ppl, eg she doesn’t like her adult dd dress sense so she deliberately buys her things she knows she won’t like to ‘encourage’ her to change, but it’s fine because dd can just say no if she wants. To me this sounded horrible and manipulative so I stopped seeing her. But have always felt sorry for her dd.

ChickenRat · 16/07/2023 22:22

Wow, I have a health visitor for a mum and that's hard enough

YANBU, I couldn't cope with having a therapist for a mum and being treated like you've described

unfor · 16/07/2023 22:29

She sounds very toxic and hurtful. I'm sorry. I am training to be a therapist and this is absolutely not ok. Firstly, you shouldn't be in "therapist mode" with friends and family, as they are not your clients. Secondly, the way she is talking to you wouldn't be ok in a therapeutic relationship either, where warmth and empathy are really imprortant. As someone said up thread, there are some messed up therapists out there.

howmanytimesagain · 16/07/2023 22:30

Sorry she does this too you

She sound desensitised which is no good for a loving relationship with you

If it makes you feel better my mum isn't a therapist but whenever I've had an issue in life or been upset about work/school/relationships or worried about an exam or interview, or ever needed help/guidance on what I should study or how to apply for things and even when my ex beat me up and I turned up on the doorstop asking to come home (which was allowed) but I'm always met with 'i'm not getting involved' 🤦🏽‍♀️

FrugalKisses · 16/07/2023 22:43

Your mum sounds a bit abusive to be honest.

All the way through I was – oh god I totally feel you – sometimes you just need some moral support, someone to be on your side and give you space to vent and be upset. Sounds like she’s so in the headspace of her job she’s forgetting how to be real and just a mum.

Then you got to ‘oh is external validation very important?’ and eugh – that is just downright unpleasant, and knowingly unpleasant too. She is purposely using ‘therapy speak’ to outmanoeuvre and sidestep any possibility of being held accountable.

It’s all very gas-lighty and manipulative as she certainly knows what she is doing.

Really sorry you are dealing with that OP, it sounds really upsetting and invalidating, and that sort of thing can really erode your self-esteem and sense of self. Please be assured – your reluctance to go there is totally normal as she is not a ‘safe’ person to be around.

Not the same as a real life one but sending you a virtual hug and moral support! You deserve to be treated with respect. X

FrugalKisses · 16/07/2023 22:57

Also – it is very scary to think your mum might be in a position of trust and power dealing with vulnerable people.

monpetitlapin · 16/07/2023 23:01

nothingcomestonothing · 16/07/2023 21:51

Is your mum Leonard's mum from the big bang theory?!

If she treats her clients like she treats you she doesn't sound like a good therapist. I'm sorry she's not the mum you deserve Flowers

My first thought was Leonard's mum, too. 🤣
I've had a fair few therapists in life and never come across one who spouts psychobabble at people like a therapy robot (never mind the ethical implications of therapizing at family members, or therapizing at anyone without even getting their informed consent).
OP if your mum is like this, it sounds like she actually has very low emotional intelligence. God help her clients as well.

HandHoldVent · 16/07/2023 23:09

I wouldn’t go to her for therapy

Hotbrownie · 16/07/2023 23:33

Therapist here! This would be shit therapy… cold analysis is a way of avoiding emotional vulnerability, and her criticism sounds like covert narcissism. Sadly there are many therapists who chose the role because it’s a position of power. I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this OP. You’re not going crazy. The way she’s treating you sucks.

Coulditreallybe · 17/07/2023 00:19

I‘m a psychologist. She sounds like an awful counsellor. Sorry she’s not been a good mum, op.

Mxflamingnoravera · 17/07/2023 00:22

Mine was a teacher and didn't treat me any differently from the kids she taught. It was awful growing up with a strict teacher for a mother. Not a joy of softness about her. Other people's kids came first.
I can empathise OP. I really can.

WildUnchartedWaters · 17/07/2023 00:25

Yep.mines not a counsellor but is judgemental, passive aggressive and disingenuous. Drives me bonkers.

MrsTerryPratchett · 17/07/2023 00:38

Hotbrownie · 16/07/2023 23:33

Therapist here! This would be shit therapy… cold analysis is a way of avoiding emotional vulnerability, and her criticism sounds like covert narcissism. Sadly there are many therapists who chose the role because it’s a position of power. I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this OP. You’re not going crazy. The way she’s treating you sucks.

This.

Shit mum, shit therapist.

Any decent therapist would know that people need real human connection, to offload, unconditional love, a safe place to vent, all those things. And mums, best friends and MN is where we get it. You can buy therapy, you can't buy a mother's love and care.

I'm so sorry things have been shit. I hope they get better.

Alstoybarn · 17/07/2023 00:43

Sounds similar to my mum. I have low contact now but it took a long long time to realise. For years u had toxic traits of hers and didn't realise why. Once I did u changed myself because actually I'm not like that, it was just learned behavior. I still love her but I can't see her often for my own mental health. She still doesn't realise any wrongdoing.

Alstoybarn · 17/07/2023 00:46

For what it's worth I see it a lot on here. Narcissistic mothers and it makes me sad yet at the same time gives me some validation. I always used to doubt the way I felt and thought am I just nasty? Evil? Like she raised me alone so why do I feel this way. Bit I'm at a time in my life I can see it for what it is. I'm my own person and she can't manipulate or control me. If she doesn't like my choices that's on her. It's sad but it's something I cannot change. And I think with my father being passed I always kinds thought well she's all I've got so I just have to roll with it. But no. I don't any nobody does.

Iwishmymumwouldbemymum · 17/07/2023 09:02

Thanks for all the messages, I didn't expect so many.

Apparently she's an excellent therapist and very highly regarded in her field. On a personal level, absolutely everyone loves her. She's calm and kind.

But it's like she doesn't realise me and her should be different or I never get priority billing. Her commitment to being fair, non judgemental, unbias, removed is paramount.

I remember chatting to two of her (also therapist) very good friends one day about something else and I said I was very worried. One of them shook their heads and said "it's so strange when she talks about you, as if you're a client" and then she shook her head obviously biting her tongue.

My dad (they broke up when I was young and never spoke again - it was awful for me) died a few years ago and she did not give me one word of comfort. Due to horrendous circumstances I couldn't go to him when he was dying - he didn't understand what was happening and thought I wasn't bothered to show up - and then I couldn't go to the funeral. I was fighting for my life myself. I watched the funeral online and so did she. Afterwards she kept chatting to me about the funeral, who was there etc like it was just some event we watched.

She always corrects me too when I receive a compliment about my parenting (well you have an easy child, supportive partner), my looks (yes but she needs to watch her weight/ her skin can flare up), my academic achievements (well her final results were disappointing) and I've noticed in therapy that I naturally do it myself all the time.

This is going to sound so shallow but it's just the most recent example. For decades I've been compared to this high profile celebrity, it's a running joke because so many random strangers have made the comparison. It's most definitely said as a compliment and many people nickname me by her first (distinctive) name. Once 15 years ago a woman told me I reminded her of an actress I didn't know in front of my mum who burst out laughing and said "she won't like that". We looked her up and it was not very flattering but whatever, I don't know if she meant looks or a character she played or whatever. Anyway my mum never drops this, this actress is much older, severe looking and tends to be cast in very severe roles.

Yesterday in my mum's she says "oh look who it is", my friend says "oh is it (hot actres)?" and my mum actually snorts and says "it's a long time since she has looked like her" then points to this actress who is playing a VERY dowdy character on the screen and starts excitedly telling the story. My friend just sat with a look of confusion and then said "there is literally no similarity between them".

I know the example I've given is all about looks but this extends into everything.

It's always suggested it's coming from a place of "well you know you're clever, popular, life is easy, goodlooking, you don't need to be told".

For the record I'm not especially any of those things but I'm grateful that I'm fairly fortunate if that makes sense. But I don't deserve to be punished or put down all the time.

OP posts: