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Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents

Description:

A New York Times bestsellerwith more than one million copies sold!

If you grew up with an emotionally immature, unavailable, or selfish parent, you may have lingering feelings of anger, loneliness, betrayal, or abandonment. You may recall your childhood as a time when your emotional needs were not met, when your feelings were dismissed, or when you took on adult levels of responsibility in an effort to compensate for your parent’s behavior. These wounds can be healed, and you can move forward in your life.

In this breakthrough book, clinical psychologist Lindsay Gibson exposes the destructive nature of parents who are emotionally immature or unavailable. You will see how these parents create a sense of neglect, and discover ways to heal from the pain and confusion caused by your childhood. By freeing yourself from your parents’ emotional immaturity, you can recover your true nature, control how you react to them, and avoid disappointment. Finally, you’ll learn how to create positive, new relationships so you can build a better life.

Discover the four types of difficult parents:

  • The emotional parent instills feelings of instability and anxiety
  • The driven parent stays busy trying to perfect everything and everyone
  • The passive parent avoids dealing with anything upsetting
  • The rejecting parent is withdrawn, dismissive, and derogatory

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD, gives practical insight into a prevalent problem…The book is impeccably clear…This utter lack of confusion makes the book quite soothing, despite the heavy subject. The soothing effect is amplified by Gibson’s caring, knowledgeable voice—it’s easy to believe her when she says, ‘I wish the very best for you.’ This book can be a source of healing for adult children of these kinds of parents—particularly for young adults. But it’s also insightful for bosses, therapists, friends, and anyone else who works with, cares for, and supports the people described in this book. Gibson’s professional background allows her to anticipate people’s emotions and reticence—and urge them gently forward.”
Foreword Magazine

“Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents is written with the wisdom and heart of a seasoned therapist and the mind of a scholar who’s spent decades poring over psychological research and theory. In this book, Lindsay C. Gibson seamlessly blends this impressive body of knowledge with the real-life experiences of her clients to create a user-friendly and highly readable book. … This book is not about blame but rather about understanding oneself on a deep level and learning to heal.”
—Esther Lerman Freeman, PsyD, clinical associate professor at the Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine

“Children cannot choose their parents. Unfortunately, many individuals grow up suffering the life-shaping adversities of having emotionally immature, neglectful parents. With wisdom and compassion, Lindsay C. Gibson enables readers to recognize and better understand these toxic relationships and to create novel, healthy paths of healing. This book provides a powerful opportunity for self-help and is a wonderful resource for therapists to recommend to clients in need.”
—Thomas F. Cash, PhD, Professor Emeritus of psychology at Old Dominion University, and author of The Body Image Workbook

“Lindsay C. Gibson’s insightful book offers the ‘emotionally lonely’ a step-by-step journey toward self-awareness and healing. Gibson’s revealing anecdotes, enlightening exercises, and honest insight lead the reader to a better understanding of how to connect more fully with oneself and others. This is an excellent book for anyone who feels isolated from family members and seeks to enjoy a more emotionally connected life.”
—Peggy Sijswerda, editor and publisher of Tidewater Women (tidewaterwomen.com) and Tidewater Family (tidewaterfamily.com), and author of Still Life with Sierra

“Lindsay C. Gibson’s
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents is an insightful and compassionate guide for anyone seeking to understand and overcome the long-term impact of growing up in an emotionally barren family. Here you will find sage advice and simple practices that will help you break free from old patterns, connect more deeply with yourself and others, and, ultimately, be the person you were always meant to be.”
—Ronald J. Frederick, PhD, psychologist and author of Living Like You Mean It

“Lindsay C. Gibson, a very experienced psychotherapist, wrote
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents to provide guidance to adults for self-help in resolving anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties that result from having emotionally immature parents. It is a thorough and detailed description of immature parents, children’s experience of their parenting, and methods to resolve the resulting problems. There are many useful examples from Gibson’s psychotherapy clients. The book includes helpful exercises for self-understanding. A person can use the book to develop emotional maturity and deeper relationships.”
—Neill Watson, PhD, research professor and Professor Emeritus of psychology at the College of William and Mary, and clinical psychologist who does research on anxiety, depression, and psychotherapy

“Based on years of reading, research, and working with patients, psychologist Lindsay C. Gibson has written an outstanding book about the multiple ways that emotionally immature parents impact the lives of their adult children. I highly recommend
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents for all readers who want to understand the parent/child dynamic. This is an uplifting book that provides hope and superb coping strategies for those who find it difficult or impossible to bond with parents who lack empathy and sensitivity. … Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents is full of wisdom that will enable you to relate to your family members and friends in the healthiest way possible—no matter what age you are—and possibly even to recognize what’s behind some of the dysfunctional exchanges depicted in the news and in popular culture.”
—Robin Cutler, PhD, historian and author of A Soul on Trial

“Lindsay C. Gibson’s book,
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, is filled with clinical vignettes that will resonate with adult children of emotionally immature parents. The book also offers practical advice and exercises for identifying one’s true self and avoiding the pitfalls of self-images, relationships, and fantasies that undermine one’s psychological well-being. Finally, the book provides solid guidelines for interacting with one’s emotionally immature parents in a manner that avoids painful and damaging recreations of the past. Readers will find relief from recognizing that they are not alone and that they are understood by this remarkable clinician.”
—B. A. Winstead, PhD, professor of psychology at Old Dominion University and the Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, and coeditor of Psychopathology: Foundations for a Contemporary Understanding, Third Edition

“I’ve interviewed hundreds of people on my show, and my episodes with Lindsay C. Gibson are among the most popular and resonant. She gives people practical tools for both understanding and handling the most difficult people in their lives. Highly recommend.”
—Dan Harris, host of the Ten Percent Happier podcast

About the Author

Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist with more than thirty years’ experience working in both public service and private practice. Her books—including the New York Times bestseller, Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents—have sold more than a million copies, and have been translated into thirty-seven languages. In the past, Gibson has served as an adjunct assistant professor, teaching doctoral clinical psychology students clinical theory and psychotherapy techniques. She specializes in therapy and coaching with adults to attain new levels of personal growth, emotional intimacy with others, and confidence in dealing with emotionally immature family members. Gibson lives and works in Virginia Beach, VA.

Review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly Helpful and Validating Book

L. · August 17, 2025

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents is a transformative and compassionate guide for those who grew up with emotionally unavailable or self-centered parents. Dr. Lindsay Gibson, a clinical psychologist, offers clear insights into how emotionally immature parenting can leave lasting scars, such as feelings of neglect, confusion, and low self-worth. She identifies four types of emotionally immature parents—emotional, driven, passive, and rejecting—and provides practical strategies for healing, including setting boundaries and recognizing emotionally mature relationships.The book is structured with clarity, making complex psychological concepts accessible. It includes real-life examples and exercises that help readers understand their experiences and begin the journey toward emotional recovery. Dr. Gibson’s empathetic approach empowers readers to reclaim their emotional well-being and build healthier relationships.Whether you’re seeking to understand your past or improve your current relationships, this book offers valuable tools for healing and growth.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great asset with therapy.

N.s. · August 24, 2025

This book was recommended from my therapist to help deal with some past traumas. I found this book very helpful, and would recommend it to anyone else that is going trough therapy. It was an east read, and was easy to follow. This book allows you to open up and learn how to set boundaries in family relationships.

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible aid to therapy - insightful and well written

J. · April 6, 2021

I am a psychologist in private practice in Boston, MA. A client recently recommended this book to me, and I said I would read it with him. When I sat down to read Chapter 1 the night before our meeting, I didn't put it down for another 3 chapters. Since then, I have recommended it to several of my clients. Another client got it and read it cover to cover, crying periodically. I keep it on my desk, and sometimes I will open up to a page and read a paragraph or anecdote to validate something my client is struggling with. Gibson has a clear, accessible style that is not too heavy on clinical language, while including relevant findings from research in the areas of parent-child attachment, family therapy, neuroscience, and child development. She summarizes complex ideas with clear language. For example, she summarizes the difference between "enmeshment" (unhealthy) and "emotional intimacy" (healthy) in half a page. One thing I really appreciate about this book is how it is not framed around diagnoses or clinical problems. In discussing the four types of Emotionally Immature parents, she notes the Emotional parents are the "most infantile of the four types...it doesn't take much to upset them, and everyone in the family scrambles to soothe them...no wonder everyone in the family feels like they are walking on eggshells". She then goes on to say "At the severe end of the spectrum, these parents are, quite frankly, mentally ill. They may be psychotic or bipolar, or have narcissistic or borderline personality disorder...Regardless of severity, all such parents have difficulty tolerating stress and emotional arousal." Basically, we can label and diagnose, but that doesn't address the underlying issue - that these are parents who lack the capacity to meet their children's emotional needs through mirroring, empathy and support. It can take different forms, but that's the common thread. There is much in this book to validate people who grew up trying to turn themselves into people pleasers and emotional pretzels to get that ever elusive positive feedback from a parent. Or for the mature and self contained individuals who had to take on the emotionally difficult tasks their parents are incapable of. And Gibson weaves the threads together deftly to show that any child experiencing the types of inconsistencies and feedback of growing up with a parent like this will have similar experiences. She makes an excellent case, through research illustrated with clinical anecdotes, that the child is not at fault. I'm up to the last chapter on solutions - all about boundaries and objectivity and readjusting expectations. I think anyone who picks up this book will find a useful nugget or much much more. Thank you, Dr. Gibson, for writing this book and helping to accelerate my clients' healing journeys!

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy and valuable

G.S. · September 30, 2025

Great book and a very easy read. Explains everything and even gives examples in the form of stories. There are exercises that challenge you to look at things from different view points. It honestly has helped me have a lot of things click in place. Really glad I started reading this. Valuable insight and I can see myself and my parents in this book

4.0 out of 5 stars Wow!

J.D. · April 13, 2025

I felt like every time I read a page it was a “A-ha” moment. This really makes you think, and understand your upbringing and understanding those who came before you. Helps ease your mind. A great read!

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful and Eye-Opening Book—But Disappointing Print Quality

S. · October 17, 2025

Insightful, compassionate, and truly worthy read that helps make sense of so many family dynamics. Unfortunately, the physical quality of the book was disappointing—the first few pages came loose as soon as I started reading. Content-wise, five stars. Printing quality, not so much.

It was a gift.

E.P.T. · October 16, 2024

It was a gift but I think everything is good

Sehr Hilfreiches und schön gestaltetes/strukturiertes Buch

A. · March 2, 2024

Produktrezension: "Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents"Das Buch "Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents" ist ein äußerst hilfreicher Leitfaden für Erwachsene, die in ihrer Kindheit mit emotional unreifen Eltern aufgewachsen sind und mit den Auswirkungen dieser Erfahrungen umgehen möchten.Der Autor, Lindsay C. Gibson, ist ein erfahrener Therapeut, der auf die Dynamik zwischen Eltern und ihren erwachsenen Kindern spezialisiert ist. In diesem Buch deckt sie verschiedene Arten von emotional unreifen Eltern ab, wie distanzierte, ablehnende oder selbstbezogene Eltern, und bietet Erklärungen und Einsichten darüber, wie diese Verhaltensweisen das Leben ihrer Kinder beeinflussen können.Ein Hauptvorteil dieses Buches ist die Klarheit und Einfachheit, mit der Gibson komplexe psychologische Konzepte erklärt. Sie verwendet Beispiele aus der realen Welt und Fallstudien, um die Dynamik zwischen Eltern und Kindern zu veranschaulichen und den Lesern dabei zu helfen, ihre eigenen Erfahrungen besser zu verstehen.Ein weiterer positiver Aspekt des Buches ist die praktische Herangehensweise an die Heilung. Gibson bietet konkrete Strategien und Übungen, die den Lesern helfen sollen, ihre emotionalen Wunden zu heilen und gesunde Beziehungen aufzubauen. Sie ermutigt die Leser auch, sich selbst zu vergeben und Mitgefühl für sich selbst zu entwickeln, während sie den Weg der Heilung beschreiten.Das Buch ist gut strukturiert und leicht zu lesen. Gibson verwendet eine klare und zugängliche Sprache, die es auch Personen ohne psychologischen Hintergrund ermöglicht, die Konzepte und Ratschläge zu verstehen. Die Kapitel bauen aufeinander auf und bieten einen klaren Weg zur Heilung, wobei jedes Kapitel spezifische Themen und Herausforderungen behandelt.Es ist wichtig zu beachten, dass dieses Buch keine schnellen Lösungen oder Wundermittel verspricht. Die Heilung von emotionalen Verletzungen erfordert Zeit, Geduld und Arbeit. Das Buch bietet jedoch einen wertvollen Leitfaden und eine Quelle der Unterstützung für Menschen, die sich mit den Auswirkungen ihrer Kindheit auseinandersetzen und den Weg zur Heilung einschlagen möchten.Insgesamt kann ich "Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents" allen empfehlen, die in ihrer Kindheit mit emotional unreifen Eltern aufgewachsen sind und nach Heilung suchen. Das Buch bietet wertvolle Einblicke, praktische Strategien und ein Gefühl der Gemeinschaft für Menschen, die ähnliche Erfahrungen gemacht haben. Es ist ein hilfreicher Begleiter auf dem Weg zur Selbstheilung und zum Aufbau gesunder Beziehungen.

Lovely book

A.カ. · January 16, 2025

Easy psychology for everyone, explains emotional needs.

I absolutely recommend this book!

L. · September 8, 2022

This book has been helping me a lot. I figured out why I’ve always felt like I never had a healthy childhood or a normal teenage life like my other peers. I definitely recommend it.

profound and practical

N.T. · July 15, 2025

This book gave me great insight into myself and my family’s dynamics. I cherished the anecdotal stories, they lightened the heavy topics while making the concepts more relatable and clearer.

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents

Product ID: U1626251703
Condition: New

4.8

AED7215

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Paperback
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by

Free delivery on orders over AED 200

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Imported From: United States

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Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents

Product ID: U1626251703
Condition: New

4.8

Type: Paperback

AED7215

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by

Free delivery on orders over AED 200

Return and refund policies

Imported From: United States

At bolo.ae, we stand behind the authenticity and quality of every product we sell. We guarantee that all items offered on our website are 100% genuine, sourced directly from authorized distributors, trusted partners, or the original brands themselves.

We do not sell counterfeit, replica, or unauthorized goods. Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support . We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, including images, descriptions, and reviews, is provided by third-party vendors. bolo.ae is not responsible for any claims, promotions, or representations made within product content or images. For more accurate or detailed product information, please contact the manufacturer directly or reach out to Bolo Support.

Unless otherwise stated during checkout, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

bolo.ae operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

A New York Times bestsellerwith more than one million copies sold!

If you grew up with an emotionally immature, unavailable, or selfish parent, you may have lingering feelings of anger, loneliness, betrayal, or abandonment. You may recall your childhood as a time when your emotional needs were not met, when your feelings were dismissed, or when you took on adult levels of responsibility in an effort to compensate for your parent’s behavior. These wounds can be healed, and you can move forward in your life.

In this breakthrough book, clinical psychologist Lindsay Gibson exposes the destructive nature of parents who are emotionally immature or unavailable. You will see how these parents create a sense of neglect, and discover ways to heal from the pain and confusion caused by your childhood. By freeing yourself from your parents’ emotional immaturity, you can recover your true nature, control how you react to them, and avoid disappointment. Finally, you’ll learn how to create positive, new relationships so you can build a better life.

Discover the four types of difficult parents:

  • The emotional parent instills feelings of instability and anxiety
  • The driven parent stays busy trying to perfect everything and everyone
  • The passive parent avoids dealing with anything upsetting
  • The rejecting parent is withdrawn, dismissive, and derogatory

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD, gives practical insight into a prevalent problem…The book is impeccably clear…This utter lack of confusion makes the book quite soothing, despite the heavy subject. The soothing effect is amplified by Gibson’s caring, knowledgeable voice—it’s easy to believe her when she says, ‘I wish the very best for you.’ This book can be a source of healing for adult children of these kinds of parents—particularly for young adults. But it’s also insightful for bosses, therapists, friends, and anyone else who works with, cares for, and supports the people described in this book. Gibson’s professional background allows her to anticipate people’s emotions and reticence—and urge them gently forward.”
Foreword Magazine

“Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents is written with the wisdom and heart of a seasoned therapist and the mind of a scholar who’s spent decades poring over psychological research and theory. In this book, Lindsay C. Gibson seamlessly blends this impressive body of knowledge with the real-life experiences of her clients to create a user-friendly and highly readable book. … This book is not about blame but rather about understanding oneself on a deep level and learning to heal.”
—Esther Lerman Freeman, PsyD, clinical associate professor at the Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine

“Children cannot choose their parents. Unfortunately, many individuals grow up suffering the life-shaping adversities of having emotionally immature, neglectful parents. With wisdom and compassion, Lindsay C. Gibson enables readers to recognize and better understand these toxic relationships and to create novel, healthy paths of healing. This book provides a powerful opportunity for self-help and is a wonderful resource for therapists to recommend to clients in need.”
—Thomas F. Cash, PhD, Professor Emeritus of psychology at Old Dominion University, and author of The Body Image Workbook

“Lindsay C. Gibson’s insightful book offers the ‘emotionally lonely’ a step-by-step journey toward self-awareness and healing. Gibson’s revealing anecdotes, enlightening exercises, and honest insight lead the reader to a better understanding of how to connect more fully with oneself and others. This is an excellent book for anyone who feels isolated from family members and seeks to enjoy a more emotionally connected life.”
—Peggy Sijswerda, editor and publisher of Tidewater Women (tidewaterwomen.com) and Tidewater Family (tidewaterfamily.com), and author of Still Life with Sierra

“Lindsay C. Gibson’s
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents is an insightful and compassionate guide for anyone seeking to understand and overcome the long-term impact of growing up in an emotionally barren family. Here you will find sage advice and simple practices that will help you break free from old patterns, connect more deeply with yourself and others, and, ultimately, be the person you were always meant to be.”
—Ronald J. Frederick, PhD, psychologist and author of Living Like You Mean It

“Lindsay C. Gibson, a very experienced psychotherapist, wrote
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents to provide guidance to adults for self-help in resolving anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties that result from having emotionally immature parents. It is a thorough and detailed description of immature parents, children’s experience of their parenting, and methods to resolve the resulting problems. There are many useful examples from Gibson’s psychotherapy clients. The book includes helpful exercises for self-understanding. A person can use the book to develop emotional maturity and deeper relationships.”
—Neill Watson, PhD, research professor and Professor Emeritus of psychology at the College of William and Mary, and clinical psychologist who does research on anxiety, depression, and psychotherapy

“Based on years of reading, research, and working with patients, psychologist Lindsay C. Gibson has written an outstanding book about the multiple ways that emotionally immature parents impact the lives of their adult children. I highly recommend
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents for all readers who want to understand the parent/child dynamic. This is an uplifting book that provides hope and superb coping strategies for those who find it difficult or impossible to bond with parents who lack empathy and sensitivity. … Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents is full of wisdom that will enable you to relate to your family members and friends in the healthiest way possible—no matter what age you are—and possibly even to recognize what’s behind some of the dysfunctional exchanges depicted in the news and in popular culture.”
—Robin Cutler, PhD, historian and author of A Soul on Trial

“Lindsay C. Gibson’s book,
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, is filled with clinical vignettes that will resonate with adult children of emotionally immature parents. The book also offers practical advice and exercises for identifying one’s true self and avoiding the pitfalls of self-images, relationships, and fantasies that undermine one’s psychological well-being. Finally, the book provides solid guidelines for interacting with one’s emotionally immature parents in a manner that avoids painful and damaging recreations of the past. Readers will find relief from recognizing that they are not alone and that they are understood by this remarkable clinician.”
—B. A. Winstead, PhD, professor of psychology at Old Dominion University and the Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, and coeditor of Psychopathology: Foundations for a Contemporary Understanding, Third Edition

“I’ve interviewed hundreds of people on my show, and my episodes with Lindsay C. Gibson are among the most popular and resonant. She gives people practical tools for both understanding and handling the most difficult people in their lives. Highly recommend.”
—Dan Harris, host of the Ten Percent Happier podcast

About the Author

Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist with more than thirty years’ experience working in both public service and private practice. Her books—including the New York Times bestseller, Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents—have sold more than a million copies, and have been translated into thirty-seven languages. In the past, Gibson has served as an adjunct assistant professor, teaching doctoral clinical psychology students clinical theory and psychotherapy techniques. She specializes in therapy and coaching with adults to attain new levels of personal growth, emotional intimacy with others, and confidence in dealing with emotionally immature family members. Gibson lives and works in Virginia Beach, VA.

Review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly Helpful and Validating Book

L. · August 17, 2025

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents is a transformative and compassionate guide for those who grew up with emotionally unavailable or self-centered parents. Dr. Lindsay Gibson, a clinical psychologist, offers clear insights into how emotionally immature parenting can leave lasting scars, such as feelings of neglect, confusion, and low self-worth. She identifies four types of emotionally immature parents—emotional, driven, passive, and rejecting—and provides practical strategies for healing, including setting boundaries and recognizing emotionally mature relationships.The book is structured with clarity, making complex psychological concepts accessible. It includes real-life examples and exercises that help readers understand their experiences and begin the journey toward emotional recovery. Dr. Gibson’s empathetic approach empowers readers to reclaim their emotional well-being and build healthier relationships.Whether you’re seeking to understand your past or improve your current relationships, this book offers valuable tools for healing and growth.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great asset with therapy.

N.s. · August 24, 2025

This book was recommended from my therapist to help deal with some past traumas. I found this book very helpful, and would recommend it to anyone else that is going trough therapy. It was an east read, and was easy to follow. This book allows you to open up and learn how to set boundaries in family relationships.

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible aid to therapy - insightful and well written

J. · April 6, 2021

I am a psychologist in private practice in Boston, MA. A client recently recommended this book to me, and I said I would read it with him. When I sat down to read Chapter 1 the night before our meeting, I didn't put it down for another 3 chapters. Since then, I have recommended it to several of my clients. Another client got it and read it cover to cover, crying periodically. I keep it on my desk, and sometimes I will open up to a page and read a paragraph or anecdote to validate something my client is struggling with. Gibson has a clear, accessible style that is not too heavy on clinical language, while including relevant findings from research in the areas of parent-child attachment, family therapy, neuroscience, and child development. She summarizes complex ideas with clear language. For example, she summarizes the difference between "enmeshment" (unhealthy) and "emotional intimacy" (healthy) in half a page. One thing I really appreciate about this book is how it is not framed around diagnoses or clinical problems. In discussing the four types of Emotionally Immature parents, she notes the Emotional parents are the "most infantile of the four types...it doesn't take much to upset them, and everyone in the family scrambles to soothe them...no wonder everyone in the family feels like they are walking on eggshells". She then goes on to say "At the severe end of the spectrum, these parents are, quite frankly, mentally ill. They may be psychotic or bipolar, or have narcissistic or borderline personality disorder...Regardless of severity, all such parents have difficulty tolerating stress and emotional arousal." Basically, we can label and diagnose, but that doesn't address the underlying issue - that these are parents who lack the capacity to meet their children's emotional needs through mirroring, empathy and support. It can take different forms, but that's the common thread. There is much in this book to validate people who grew up trying to turn themselves into people pleasers and emotional pretzels to get that ever elusive positive feedback from a parent. Or for the mature and self contained individuals who had to take on the emotionally difficult tasks their parents are incapable of. And Gibson weaves the threads together deftly to show that any child experiencing the types of inconsistencies and feedback of growing up with a parent like this will have similar experiences. She makes an excellent case, through research illustrated with clinical anecdotes, that the child is not at fault. I'm up to the last chapter on solutions - all about boundaries and objectivity and readjusting expectations. I think anyone who picks up this book will find a useful nugget or much much more. Thank you, Dr. Gibson, for writing this book and helping to accelerate my clients' healing journeys!

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy and valuable

G.S. · September 30, 2025

Great book and a very easy read. Explains everything and even gives examples in the form of stories. There are exercises that challenge you to look at things from different view points. It honestly has helped me have a lot of things click in place. Really glad I started reading this. Valuable insight and I can see myself and my parents in this book

4.0 out of 5 stars Wow!

J.D. · April 13, 2025

I felt like every time I read a page it was a “A-ha” moment. This really makes you think, and understand your upbringing and understanding those who came before you. Helps ease your mind. A great read!

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful and Eye-Opening Book—But Disappointing Print Quality

S. · October 17, 2025

Insightful, compassionate, and truly worthy read that helps make sense of so many family dynamics. Unfortunately, the physical quality of the book was disappointing—the first few pages came loose as soon as I started reading. Content-wise, five stars. Printing quality, not so much.

It was a gift.

E.P.T. · October 16, 2024

It was a gift but I think everything is good

Sehr Hilfreiches und schön gestaltetes/strukturiertes Buch

A. · March 2, 2024

Produktrezension: "Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents"Das Buch "Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents" ist ein äußerst hilfreicher Leitfaden für Erwachsene, die in ihrer Kindheit mit emotional unreifen Eltern aufgewachsen sind und mit den Auswirkungen dieser Erfahrungen umgehen möchten.Der Autor, Lindsay C. Gibson, ist ein erfahrener Therapeut, der auf die Dynamik zwischen Eltern und ihren erwachsenen Kindern spezialisiert ist. In diesem Buch deckt sie verschiedene Arten von emotional unreifen Eltern ab, wie distanzierte, ablehnende oder selbstbezogene Eltern, und bietet Erklärungen und Einsichten darüber, wie diese Verhaltensweisen das Leben ihrer Kinder beeinflussen können.Ein Hauptvorteil dieses Buches ist die Klarheit und Einfachheit, mit der Gibson komplexe psychologische Konzepte erklärt. Sie verwendet Beispiele aus der realen Welt und Fallstudien, um die Dynamik zwischen Eltern und Kindern zu veranschaulichen und den Lesern dabei zu helfen, ihre eigenen Erfahrungen besser zu verstehen.Ein weiterer positiver Aspekt des Buches ist die praktische Herangehensweise an die Heilung. Gibson bietet konkrete Strategien und Übungen, die den Lesern helfen sollen, ihre emotionalen Wunden zu heilen und gesunde Beziehungen aufzubauen. Sie ermutigt die Leser auch, sich selbst zu vergeben und Mitgefühl für sich selbst zu entwickeln, während sie den Weg der Heilung beschreiten.Das Buch ist gut strukturiert und leicht zu lesen. Gibson verwendet eine klare und zugängliche Sprache, die es auch Personen ohne psychologischen Hintergrund ermöglicht, die Konzepte und Ratschläge zu verstehen. Die Kapitel bauen aufeinander auf und bieten einen klaren Weg zur Heilung, wobei jedes Kapitel spezifische Themen und Herausforderungen behandelt.Es ist wichtig zu beachten, dass dieses Buch keine schnellen Lösungen oder Wundermittel verspricht. Die Heilung von emotionalen Verletzungen erfordert Zeit, Geduld und Arbeit. Das Buch bietet jedoch einen wertvollen Leitfaden und eine Quelle der Unterstützung für Menschen, die sich mit den Auswirkungen ihrer Kindheit auseinandersetzen und den Weg zur Heilung einschlagen möchten.Insgesamt kann ich "Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents" allen empfehlen, die in ihrer Kindheit mit emotional unreifen Eltern aufgewachsen sind und nach Heilung suchen. Das Buch bietet wertvolle Einblicke, praktische Strategien und ein Gefühl der Gemeinschaft für Menschen, die ähnliche Erfahrungen gemacht haben. Es ist ein hilfreicher Begleiter auf dem Weg zur Selbstheilung und zum Aufbau gesunder Beziehungen.

Lovely book

A.カ. · January 16, 2025

Easy psychology for everyone, explains emotional needs.

I absolutely recommend this book!

L. · September 8, 2022

This book has been helping me a lot. I figured out why I’ve always felt like I never had a healthy childhood or a normal teenage life like my other peers. I definitely recommend it.

profound and practical

N.T. · July 15, 2025

This book gave me great insight into myself and my family’s dynamics. I cherished the anecdotal stories, they lightened the heavy topics while making the concepts more relatable and clearer.

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