I often work with people who come for help dealing with a 'difficult' mother. Many find themselves stuck in an unsatisfactory relationship with their mother and although they might feel a close connection to her - often involving strong feelings - it is not the kind of close connection that they would like. As adults, most of us manage to negotiate a relationship with our mothers which is good enough. Over time, the dynamic between us will ebb and flow and there might be p

What is it with mothers and daughters? Why does this particular relationship so often appear complicated and full of misunderstanding, resentment and emotional pain - especially at the time when young women begin to struggle for independence from their family-of-origin? I'm not even going to attempt to answer these questions, but here are a few thoughts on the subject that might spark some debate.   Recently, I have discovered the American writer, Elizabeth Strout. I read a