Between shame and guilt, the mother’s ability to be alone in her child’s presence
Villecourt-Couchat, Isabelle
Between shame and guilt, the mother’s ability to be alone in her child’s presence - 2018.
99
The present article is based on the action research conducted by a psychologist practising in a nursery on the ability of the mother to be alone in her child’s presence. Correlating the notions of loneliness, shame and guilt with the processes of motherhood in a clinical situation in this place of refuge allows the traumatising situations experienced by a few vulnerable mothers to be analysed and their way to a new maternal identity facilitated. Investigating shame (usually considered only in relation to its negative side) from another angle, it can be seen to have a beneficial and saving function in helping the woman to recognise herself as a mother and empowered as such. The “maternal ego” transformed can then integrate solitude as an instance of reconstruction and subjectivation.
Between shame and guilt, the mother’s ability to be alone in her child’s presence - 2018.
99
The present article is based on the action research conducted by a psychologist practising in a nursery on the ability of the mother to be alone in her child’s presence. Correlating the notions of loneliness, shame and guilt with the processes of motherhood in a clinical situation in this place of refuge allows the traumatising situations experienced by a few vulnerable mothers to be analysed and their way to a new maternal identity facilitated. Investigating shame (usually considered only in relation to its negative side) from another angle, it can be seen to have a beneficial and saving function in helping the woman to recognise herself as a mother and empowered as such. The “maternal ego” transformed can then integrate solitude as an instance of reconstruction and subjectivation.
Réseaux sociaux