I was recently listening to a client process her thoughts and feelings regarding a profound realization: Her mother, whose approval she’d sought her entire life, had lied to her about her own achievements. My client, whom we’ll call Sydney, grew up idolizing her mom as a soccer star who had supposedly earned accolades from professional coaches and players. She also heard endless stories about her mom’s time at Yale, where, according to family lore, she’d been easily admitted and excelled. Sydney, now a young adult, had spent her childhood and adolescence striving to be a top athlete and stellar student. She pushed herself relentlessly, feeling as though she’d disappointed her mom when her own soccer skills didn’t get her much attention, and even more so when she couldn’t get into an Ivy League college. Imagine Sydney’s surprise when, during a visit from her mom’s childhood friends, she overheard them reminiscing about soccer camp and the supposed accolades from professional players. The stories, as it turned out, were completely fabricated. Sydney’s mom and her friends laughed …