Motherf*cked - by Ashley Oerman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For anyone whose mother is the reason they're in therapy, this primer on problematic moms offers a super relatable modern approach to dealing and healing.

For some, moms are their bestie, their bedrock, and their first call when things go wrong (or right). Meanwhile, the rest of us send our moms to voicemail more often than not and maybe even dread Mother's Day weekend.

Whether your mom is absent, too present, or sometimes just tough to be around, Motherf*cked empowers you to move safely through the maternal minefield. Drawing on interviews with licensed mental health experts and her own perfect attendance in therapy, mental health and wellness journalist Ashley Oerman digs into the repercussions of these painful dynamics. She offers tried-and-true tips for coming to terms with--and taking control of--your relationship with your mom.

In Motherf*cked you'll find expert-backed tips and tools to...

Understand why and how your relationship with your mom impacts your mental health, attachment style, and adult relationships Spot signs of dysfunction, like generational trauma, narcissism, and emotional immaturity Productively process feelings through light-hearted, helpful tools like "Choose Your Own Sadventure" Set healthy boundaries (the book's "Boundary Concierge" can help!) and decide if going low- or no-contact is right for you Prepare for the drama that comes with breaking unhealthy patterns or ending a problematic relationship with your mom

Validating and darkly funny, Motherf*cked creates space to sort through the mess, drama, and trauma of your maternal history, so you can finally find some motherf*cking peace.

Review Quotes

"Men often tell me that their dysfunctional relationship with their mother left them ill-equipped for adult relationships with women, and we spend months or years trying to undo the damage. With a combination of research, expert guidance, the author's personal experience, and the most practical, specific steps I've ever seen in a self-help book, Motherf*cked is now my go-to recommendation for anyone who's experienced this dynamic, as well as the therapists, coaches, and loved ones who walk with them."
--Ryan Howes, PhD, ABPP, clinical psychologist

"Imagine your bestie just happens to be a psychologist and she's sitting you down for one of those casual yet deeply soul-healing chats, the kind that leaves you feeling fully seen and so much lighter . . . This book breathes validation and hope into an integral yet often impossibly heavy topic, and I am a better woman and daughter for reading it."
--Kelsey Wells, mental health-focused fitness trainer, women's empowerment advocate, motivational speaker, and creator of Redefine Fitness

"Ashley Oerman blends soul, storytelling, and expert-backed straight talk to help you untangle from manipulation, guilt, and emotional chaos--and finally come home to yourself . . . With fierce compassion, humor, and hard-won wisdom, she shows you how to set boundaries without guilt, stop over-functioning to earn love, and live as the person you really are. Motherf*cked is equal parts healing and healthy rebellion--a guide for anyone ready to stop repeating old patterns and start choosing themselves."
--Susie Moore, host of the top-rated Let It Be Easy podcast

"The ultimate traveller's guide to navigating your relationship with your mom: vulnerable, thoughtful, practical, and hugely necessary."
--Jemma Sbeg, host of the The Psychology of Your 20s podcast

About the Author

Ashley Oerman is a reporter, writer, and editor with a focus on health, wellness, and lifestyle content at brands like Cosmopolitan, where she was the brand's lifestyle director. During her nearly five years at Cosmopolitan, Ashley's work was nominated for a National Magazine Award for personal service. She's also held editorial positions at Women's Health magazine and Parents.

Now, as the deputy editor at Wondermind, a mental health-centered media company founded by Selena Gomez and Mandy Teefey, she edits and writes deeply helpful, easy-to-understand mental health content and develops the brand's editorial strategy. Since 2012, her work has reached millions of eyes across the US and internationally.