Susan Forward author photo

Susan Forward

Born: May 14, 1938 – New York, New York, United States

Susan Forward was an American therapist and self-help author known for writing about family dysfunction, emotional abuse, and unhealthy relationships. Her best-known books include Toxic Parents, Emotional Blackmail, and Men Who Hate Women and the Women Who Love Them, works that became widely read bestsellers in popular psychology.

Biography & Author's Journey

Susan Forward was a Los Angeles-based therapist and bestselling self-help author whose authority came first from clinical work. Her professional turning point arrived when she volunteered at UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute; staff recognized her skill with patients and brought her on in a paraprofessional role. She then attended the University of Southern California, earned a master’s degree in psychiatric social work, became a licensed clinical social worker, and later completed a PhD in psychology. From there she built a career as a therapist, consultant, and instructor across Southern California psychiatric and medical settings, while also developing a private practice centered on relationship, trauma, and family issues. ((https://susanforward.com/therapist))

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Quotes

quote
Unloving mothers sear fear and inadequacy in their daughters’ hearts and minds
-What’s Holding Back Your Success? Could It Be Your Mother?
quote
Your responsibility is no longer to the negative expectations of your mother, but first and foremost to yourself
-What’s Holding Back Your Success? Could It Be Your Mother?
quote
You can start enjoying the real you, one who deserves and is capable of success
-What’s Holding Back Your Success? Could It Be Your Mother?
quote
I am not my mother, and you are not your mother
-How to Be a Good Mother When You Didn’t Have One
quote
Rest assured there is a loving parent inside of you
-How to Be a Good Mother When You Didn’t Have One
quote
A good mother is not expected to be perfect and self-sacrificing to the point of martyrdom
-How to Be a Good Mother When You Didn’t Have One
quote
A child who has to mother her own mother is often wise beyond her years but in reality she has been robbed of her childhood
-How to Be a Good Mother When You Didn’t Have One

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Parenting, Social Skills, Love & Partnership

Parenting, Social Skills, Love & Partnership

LEARNING PLAN

Parenting, Social Skills, Love & Partnership

This comprehensive guide is designed for individuals seeking to harmonize their family life with personal social growth and romantic fulfillment. It is ideal for parents and partners who want to replace reactive behaviors with intentional, connection-driven strategies.

3 h 5 m4 Sections
Body, Love, Social & Parenting Skills

Body, Love, Social & Parenting Skills

LEARNING PLAN

Body, Love, Social & Parenting Skills

This comprehensive guide is designed for individuals seeking to harmonize their personal well-being with their interpersonal relationships. It provides a unique roadmap for anyone looking to master the complexities of modern dating, social dynamics, and the responsibilities of mindful parenting.

3 h 11 m4 Sections
Heal from mom's narcissism & adoption trauma

Heal from mom's narcissism & adoption trauma

LEARNING PLAN

Heal from mom's narcissism & adoption trauma

This learning plan addresses the profound and often invisible impact of being raised by a narcissistic mother combined with adoption trauma, which can create deep-rooted patterns of depression, anxiety, and Complex PTSD. Adult women who experienced these dual traumas often struggle with relationships, self-worth, and emotional regulation without understanding why. This program offers science-backed healing strategies specifically designed to help you understand your past, rewire your brain, and reclaim your authentic self.

2 h 38 m4 Sections
Heal from emotionally unavailable parenting

Heal from emotionally unavailable parenting

LEARNING PLAN

Heal from emotionally unavailable parenting

This plan is designed for adults who grew up with emotionally distant or immature caregivers and struggle with self-worth or relationship patterns. It provides a structured path to move from survival-based coping mechanisms to a life of secure attachment and authentic connection.

2 h 35 m4 Sections
Better parent & self: mindset & communication

Better parent & self: mindset & communication

LEARNING PLAN

Better parent & self: mindset & communication

This plan is designed for parents seeking to break reactive cycles and build deeper emotional connections with their children. It provides a roadmap for personal growth and practical communication tools that benefit any family dynamic.

2 h 16 m4 Sections
Heal shame & master conflicts

Heal shame & master conflicts

LEARNING PLAN

Heal shame & master conflicts

Shame and unresolved conflicts damage relationships, career growth, and mental health, yet most people never learn the skills to address them effectively. This learning plan combines research-backed approaches from psychology, negotiation science, and relationship studies to help anyone struggling with self-criticism, avoiding difficult conversations, or feeling stuck in recurring conflicts. Whether you're navigating workplace tensions, personal relationships, or your own inner critic, these skills are fundamental to living authentically and building meaningful connections.

2 h 36 m4 Sections
Dark
  Psychology

Dark Psychology

LEARNING PLAN

Dark Psychology

Understanding the mechanics of manipulation is essential for maintaining personal autonomy in a complex social world. This guide is ideal for anyone looking to sharpen their emotional intelligence and protect themselves from predatory personality types.

3 h 26 m4 Sections
Break free from toxic attachment abusive ex

Break free from toxic attachment abusive ex

LEARNING PLAN

Break free from toxic attachment abusive ex

This learning plan is designed for individuals recovering from emotionally abusive relationships who find themselves unable to move forward despite knowing the relationship was harmful. It's particularly valuable for those experiencing persistent attachment to an ex-partner, struggling with the urge to reconnect, or finding themselves repeating unhealthy relationship patterns. By addressing both the external dynamics of abuse and the internal patterns that sustain attachment, this plan provides a comprehensive path toward genuine healing and healthier future relationships.

3 h 3 m4 Sections

Community Voices

"I consider Susan Forward to be among the foremost therapists of our age"

John Bradshaw

"Susan Forward's wisdom and compassion shines through in this excellent guide for women about a potentially devastating experience in their lives"

Susan Jeffers

"Riveting! Once again, Susan Forward has shone a light on relationships in her uniquely compassionate and dramatic way"

Barbara De Angelis

"Susan Forward does it again with this powerful book that will go a long way toward helping women regain their balance and self-esteem"

June M. Reinisch

"Breathe a sigh of relief! Susan Forward helps you identify and correct an intensely destructive and confusing pattern of relating with those you love"

Susan Jeffers

"Once again Susan Forward has identified an important issue that has been calling out for her expertise and unique perspective"

Beverly Engel

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

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