This dissertation provides an interpretation of the accounts of six mothers who have a diagnosis of mental illness and also have children who are being treated for emotional or behavioural difficulties. The participants took part in an interview where questions were asked about their experiences of being a mother, having a child with difficulties and the impact of their children's difficulties on them. The data produced were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Attention was given to the role of the researcher as a clinician who works closely with this client group and its influence on the interpretation of the material. From the analysis, one main superordinate theme emerged, the idea of a split identity between three elements: mental illness, motherhood and being a person in their own right. These three aspects of identity often entered into conflict with one another. Motherhood was the most valued aspect of their identity. However, mental illness influenced the way in which they performed as mothers. A desire to be seen as good mothers influenced their narratives of how mental illness affected their children and promoted a neglectful attention to their own needs as individuals. A number of sub themes describe particular aspects ofthis tripartite identity. The relationship between the findings in this study and existing literature, as well as implications for clinical practice are discussed.