A necessary examination of guilt—what it is, why women feel it so excessively, and how to let it go

Women are living with too much guilt. Across motherhood, career, relationships, and beyond, we are powerfully socialized to feel guilty—for not doing enough, for doing too much, for putting ourselves first. Often without realizing, we end up making decisions based on what we think we should be doing instead of what we actually want and need.

Why is guilt so powerful? And what does a guilt-free life look like?

For over a decade, psychiatrist Jennifer Reid asked herself these very questions as she worked with hundreds of highly functional, successful women otherwise crippled by guilt. In Guilt Free, she helps us understand and dismantle the roots of excessive guilt, in order to access more joy, agency, and purpose in our lives.

Drawing on powerful insights from psychology, behavioral science, and her own practice, Dr. Reid reveals:

• The science of guilt and how our expectations make it maladaptive
• What makes guilt a good motivator—and therefore difficult to let go of
• How to identify your guilt triggers
• Strategies for quieting and replacing guilt-inducing thoughts
• A roadmap for decision-making based on want and need instead of should

A guilt-free life is one where we—not our guilt—are in the driver’s seat.