Recovering from Emotionally Immature Parents

"What a gift! After spending forty years talking with clients about the issues and solutions Lindsay Gibson addresses in this extraordinary book, finally there's one highly readable resource that provides a complete, in-depth look at what every client needs to know. Clear and concise explanations alongside extremely helpful exercises make this book an absolute must-read for the multitudes that experience the challenge of EI parents. Not just a book for the children of EI parents, but a fantastic one-stop resource for anyone dealing with a core set of problems we all actually struggle with in the majority of our adult relationships." --David Gordon, PhD, clinical psychologist in private practice in Norfolk, VA; author of Mindful Dreaming; and founder of the Dreamwork Institute--David Gordon, PhD "This excellent book offers a practical, concise understanding of how emotionally immature (EI) parents impact your feelings, thoughts, and behavior. With specific examples and exercises, you can learn how to express yourself and reduce fear and self-doubt to reclaim your right to your own emotional health and well-being. The depth of Gibson's therapeutic skills, sound psychological principles, and practical tools make this a must-read for anyone whose life has been challenged by the emotional immaturity of others. A valuable resource for the general public as well as professionals!" --Louise B. Lubin, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist, and retired community faculty at Eastern Virginia Medical School--Louise B. Lubin, PhD "This book is a gift for those who have grown up with an EI parent. Gibson gets it-- and she will help you feel seen and known in a way that you likely never felt with your parent. You'll be able to put words to your pain, so you can understand it, work through it, and, ultimately, separate from it as you work toward building relationships with yourself and others that will be more emotionally fulfilling. It is clear how much she genuinely cares for her clients and readers, and wants to support them in their journey." --Kathy Nguyen Li, PsyD, licensed psychologist, and owner of Sage Counseling, PLLC, in Washington, D.C.--Kathy Nguyen Li, PsyD "Most everyone emerges from their childhood with a few emotional scars, anxieties, or insecurities. However, many children sustain serious emotional wounds when they have been raised by insensitive, self-absorbed, and controlling parents. Young children or adolescents in these situations can't see the big picture, are powerless to fight back, and often blame themselves for their predicament--locking in their emotional wounds for a lifetime. Fortunately, the brilliance of Gibson's book sheds the light of understanding and provides the keys to healing for countless recovering individuals. This book is readable, relevant, grounded in solid science, and yet so accessible to the person searching for answers and healing from their wounds. It is a must-read for every student of human behavior and every mental health professional." --Dan W. Briddell, PhD, licensed and board-certified clinical psychologist with over forty years of clinical practice experience, and author of The Love Bug and Other Tales of Psychotherapy--Dan W. Briddell, PhD "Lindsay Gibson has again written a valuable book in Recovering from Emotionally Immature Parents, with extensive wisdom, thoughts, and tools for searching one's inner experiences, self-talk, and feelings from growing up with EI parents. This book is a resource for both individuals on a personal journey and therapists, in the human quest to heal life's wounds and grow into a more joyful and fulfilled life. Gibson's compassionate guidance is well researched with individual stories to enhance our understanding. She closes with a Bill of Rights for Adult Children of EI parents that is helpful for anyone in conflicted relationships." --Mary Ann Kearley, CNS, LPC, clinical nurse specialist in men

Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice who specializes in individual psychotherapy with adult children of emotionally immature parents. She is author of Who You Were Meant to Be and writes a monthly column on well-being for Tidewater Women magazine. In the past she has served as an adjunct assistant professor of graduate psychology for the College of William and Mary, as well as for Old Dominion University.