The Effects of Narcissism
"Will I ever be good enough?"
This is not really a question but it is a judgment. It is a message that you may have received from your mother. It implies that we are not good enough, and so we may judge ourselves and assume others are judging us critically.
We are unsure of ourselves and may be oversensitive, indecisive, self-conscious, lack self-trust, have the inability to sustain relationships, and lack confidence.
In this course, we will work to instill an understanding and realization of your mother’s condition and the effects that her narcissism has had on your life.
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to...
- Define narcissism in your role as a daughter and its effects on you over the years.
- Recognize the effects of narcissism on your life today.
- Discover the roots of narcissism in your family of origin.
- Learn how to set and keep boundaries with your narcissistic mother.
- Separate your identity from your mother.
- Re-frame the verbal and non-verbal messages you received from your narcissistic mother.
- Discuss how image impacted you and how it affects you today.
- Discover how you carry and live out those effects.
- Identify how you are connected and not connected to your mother's identity.
- Create positive affirmations for the woman you have become.
Meet Your Instructor
I’m Mary Ellen Collins, PhD
Mary Ellen Collins is the executive director/founder of Motherless Daughters Ministry. Mary Ellen has a Doctorate in Organizational Behavior. Prior to the founding of the ministry, Mary Ellen was the CEO of her own private consulting firm for 20+ years and an adjunct professor at 3 local universities. Mary Ellen specializes in curriculum and leadership development with a focus on learner-centered styles for highly interactive learning. This professionally composed, e-learning curriculum gives women an opportunity to heal without the restrictions of time and place. As a motherless daughter herself, Mary Ellen combines professional knowledge and skill with personal experience providing the learner an unmatched experience to be equipped with tools for healing, grieving and sustaining.
"I am so pleased you have chosen to spend your precious time taking this course. Here is my story and experience with Thriving!
After the death of my mother when I was 15 years old, and the abandonment of my father at 10, an aunt on each side of my family worked hard to trap me in their narcissistic webs. They hated each other. Aunt M. was controlling, image driven, and demanding that I must make her look good. But the queen was Aunt G. She was the queen of her clan; manipulative, controlling, and demanded that all in her kingdom pay homage to her. I chose to not participate in either of their demands which left me lonely and abandoned by the only family I had left. I became an overachiever and was determined to live my own life. It is only now that I realize the effects of these two women on my life."
What's included
Course Curriculum
Each section of the course contains a lecture on a specific topic, thought provoking experiential exercises, followed by a 'Point to Ponder' related to specific topics that encourage you to think through a challenging question. A journal in each section allows you to record your comments and insights, and you will have the opportunity to connect with a facilitator/coach at specific times. You are also invited to participate in Office Hours, which are detailed inside the course.
- Opening scripture and prayer
- Separating from your mother’s identity (intro)
- Separating from your mother’s identity (steps 1-2)
- Separating from your mother’s identity (step 3)
- Separating from your mother’s identity (step 4)
- Point to ponder #6 (exercise)
- Journal insights (exercise)
- Office hours scheduling
Client Testimonials
Hear From Our Satisfied Participants
Today, the Motherless Daughter Ministry has ministered to hundreds of women who have in return ministered to many, many other motherless daughters. Women are changed by this ministry. We firmly believe if you are on this site right now, God has led you here.
These participants' identities are not shown to protect their privacy.

"This course has brought me to a new place.
Though I am still caught between the notions ‘this was normal for me, look at who I am today, and others have experienced so much worse’ versus ‘wow! this was truly evil, how did I survive such manipulation, why did no one see this and save me?"

"I am so grateful for this course and how God has used it to help me find who I am apart from my mom.
I learned that I am a separate valuable individual. I have come to a place of acceptance, no longer looking to her for my identity or for the love that she could not give."

"I have learned a lot about myself and the relationship I had with my mother.
The course has given me the strength to work on leaving the past behind. I have better communication with my children. I am now looking forward to what the future holds for me. And I will accept any challenges along the way. I am a fighter!"

"This course has allowed me to see my potential in life!
I pray that God would allow me to realize my fullest potential, to grow into and become all that HE means for me to be. The future is bright and exciting because of HIS love and faithfulness. HE can take the tough stuff of my past life and help me to do good all for His kingdom."

"I have truly enjoyed this course. It was eye-opening and validating.
The Motherless Daughters Ministry provided a warm inviting and safe place to share our hearts and stories. I know I have more work and wrestling to do in terms of the relationship with my mom, but this course has given me the spring board to dive in with greater compassion and understanding."

"This course has given me HOPE, and a positive direction in life.
I have learned to broaden my outlook... to understand that there are many, many more facets to life than I had understood previously."
Course Preview
Take a Peek Inside the First Lesson
Watch the course welcome video to meet Mary Ellen and get a taste for how the course works and what you can expect from the curriculum.
Further Information
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and ends when your chosen access duration expires! It is a self-paced online course, with each section being released after you've had time to complete the exercises from the previous section (5 days at a time).
How long do I have access to the course?
If you join the lifetime version of the course, how does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like, across any and all devices you own. Alternatively, choose one of the limited-time options and your access will expire after either 6 weeks or 1 year.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We do not want you to be unhappy with your purchase. If you have purchased a 6-week access to this course, we will give you a full refund within 14 days of your purchase. If you have purchased a 1 year or lifetime access, please contact us within 14 days of purchase for a full refund. Please reach out to us at [email protected]