Katherine Fabrizio, Boomer, psychotherapist with 35 years of experience, joins us to explore the often hidden dynamics between mothers and daughters. Drawing from her extensive clinical work and her book, Katherine dives into how good daughters navigate boundaries, individuation, and maternal expectations—and how understanding these patterns can unlock personal freedom.
💡 In this episode:
Katherine’s journey from practicing alongside her mother to finding her own voice
Why the “good daughter” role can feel both protective and paralyzing
Differentiating narcissistic, borderline, and covert mothers in real-life dynamics
Recognizing internalized guilt and patterns of approval-seeking
Practical insights for reclaiming boundaries and autonomy
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome and introduction to Katherine
0:31 – Katherine’s early career and working with her mother
1:56 – Making the difficult choice to leave the shared practice
2:24 – Boundaries and individuation: why they weren’t taught
3:22 – The inspiration for writing her book
4:21 – Reconciling with her mother at the end of her life
5:17 – Understanding different maternal patterns
6:17 – Narcissistic, borderline, and covert mothers explained
11:08 – Reading the 10 scenarios of the “good daughter trap”
14:19 – How childhood patterns shape adult responses and shame
16:40 – Taking charge of your inner child
17:09 – Understanding the difficult mother
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Staying would break me. Leaving broke her heart—but I survived. So did she.”
“Boundaries weren’t even a thing back then; learning them was revolutionary.”
“Many daughters carry guilt for differentiating. Understanding your mother’s patterns can be liberating.”
“The good daughter cycle is like an accent—you internalize it and it becomes normal.”
“Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for your mother is to step into your own life fully.”
“Healing isn’t about erasing the past; it’s about reclaiming your power in the present.”
“We often try to please to survive. Learning that you can exist authentically is life-changing.”
“Mother-daughter patterns don’t define you—you define your response to them.”
🔑 3 Big Takeaways
Awareness is freedom. Understanding the maternal dynamics you grew up with allows you to break generational patterns.
Boundaries are essential. Differentiating from a mother—even a loving one—can be painful but necessary for personal growth.
Healing is relational. Reconciling with the past, while not condoning harm, creates space for autonomy and self-compassion.
🛠️ Tools & Resources Mentioned
The Good Daughter Trap by Katherine Fabrizio – available wherever books are sold
Psychotherapy insights on boundaries, individuation, and mother-daughter dynamics
🛍️ Online Store Highlight
Katherine chose a card representing self-empowerment and boundary-setting:
"Know your worth, set your limits, honor your story."
Check out our online store here!
📬 Connect With Katherine
Website: Are you a "Good Daughter" Free Quiz https://daughtersrising.info/good-daughter-quiz/
Email: katherinefabrizio@daughtersrising.info
https://www.facebook.com/thegooddaughter
https://www.instagram.com/katherinefabrizio/
📬 Stay Connected With Your Host, Yo
Website: girltaketheleadpod.com
Email: yo@yocanny.com
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FB Group: Girl, Take the Lead!