Have you ever felt like you have to be helpful enough, easygoing enough, or needed enough to truly earn your place in your stepfamily? Psychotherapist and bestselling author Terri Cole joins Cameron to explore how a father wound in stepmom life can quietly show up as overfunctioning, people pleasing, resentment, and the belief that everyone else's needs should come before your own.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why high achieving, capable women can still carry a deep worthiness wound
How overfunctioning and constantly putting yourself last can become your way of trying to belong
How to tell when a difficult stepfamily situation may also be activating something from your past
How stepmoms can help children feel seen, valued, and emotionally safe without trying to replace a parent
Terri also shares her own experience becoming a stepmom to three teenage boys and why she believes stepmoms have to stop silently suffering, walking on eggshells, and waiting for someone else to give them permission to matter.
Resources From This Episode
Terri Cole's new book, Father Wound Learn more and preorder at fatherwoundbook.com. Terri also shares information there about her virtual Father Wound retreat for preorder customers.
Connect with Terri Cole Find Terri, her work, podcast, upcoming appearances, and more at terricole.com.
The Stepmom Summit Terri is returning as a speaker for the 2026 Stepmom Summit. Get your free ticket at thestepmomsummit.com.
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