Emotional blackmail susan forward reviews
Susan Forward's book "Toxic Parents: Overcoming Their Power" is a classic in the field of family dynamics and emotional abuse. Here are some reviews and summaries of the book's content related to emotional blackmail:
Reviews:
- "A groundbreaking book that helps readers understand the long-term effects of toxic parenting and provides practical strategies for overcoming the emotional damage." - Publishers Weekly
- "Forward's book is a must-read for anyone who has been affected by toxic parenting. Her insights are profound, and her advice is practical and compassionate." - Library Journal
- "This book is a lifesaver. It helped me understand why I was stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and low self-esteem, and how to break free from it." - Goodreads reviewer
Summary of the book:
In "Toxic Parents," Susan Forward explores the concept of emotional blackmail, which she defines as "the manipulation of a child's emotions to control their behavior." Forward argues that toxic parents use emotional blackmail to maintain power and control over their children, often by making them feel guilty, ashamed, or responsible for the parent's emotions.
The book identifies several common tactics used by toxic parents to emotionally blackmail their children, including:
- Blame-shifting: Shifting the responsibility for their own emotions or actions onto the child.
- Guilt-tripping: Making the child feel guilty for not meeting the parent's expectations or for not being able to fix the parent's problems.
- Emotional manipulation: Using emotional appeals to control the child's behavior, such as making them feel loved or valued only when they comply with the parent's demands.
- Gaslighting: Denying or distorting reality to make the child question their own perceptions or sanity.
Forward also discusses the long-term effects of emotional blackmail on children, including:
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety and depression
- Difficulty setting boundaries
- People-pleasing tendencies
- Difficulty trusting others
The book provides practical strategies for overcoming the emotional damage caused by toxic parenting, including:
- Recognizing and challenging toxic patterns
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Practicing self-care and self-compassion
- Seeking support from others
- Forgiving and letting go of the past
Overall, "Toxic Parents" is a powerful and insightful book that can help readers understand the dynamics of emotional blackmail and develop strategies for overcoming its effects.