Family forms such as foster, adoptive, and blended families where there may be two maternal figures are increasingly common. The relationship between the two women is complex, and it is argued that envy is an affect that may be present yet difficult to acknowledge and work through. Envy is a powerful and painful emotion that can override feelings of compassion, love, and gratitude. Consequently, because envy blocks emotions such as gratitude and generosity, while it is in play, the formation of cooperative relationships between the women are inhibited with potentially deleterious consequences for the family. This article explores contemporary understandings of envy, its potential sources and effects, and implications for counselling and therapy, so that women can be supported to negotiate these relationships if and when they encounter conflict.
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