In the wake of her mother Nancy Dow’s death, Jennifer Aniston has reconnected with Brad Pitt — and it appears her husband, Justin Theroux, knows there isn’t much he can do about it.

“Justin Theroux is trying to help, but Brad understands her better than anyone else,” a source exclusively tells In Touch. “Jen needs Brad more than anyone else.”

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Jen and her husband, Justin.

Jen was estranged from her mother prior to her death — their final blow came when Nancy sold a story about her daughter’s private life to a tabloid TV show back in 1996 — and Brad was by Jen’s side throughout the ordeal, so it makes sense that the 48-year-old feels her ex, 53, is the only one who can truly understand what she’s experiencing.

“Jen still blames her mom for a lot of her problems with men and motherhood. She thought she’d dealt with everything in years of therapy, but it’s all coming back to haunt her,” the source tells In Touch. “She’s been looking to [Brad] for guidance and advice.”

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Brad and Jen have been in communication since he announced his divorce from Angelina Jolie, the woman many believe is responsible for the end of Brad and Jen’s marriage. And the guidance and advice he’s offered Jen has been significant in helping her move on with her grieving.

“Brad knows the history of Jen’s complicated relationship with Nancy and doesn’t judge her for the feelings she’s having,” the source adds. “He pointed out that Jen didn’t love her mom, and she’s mourning the loss of the mother she would never know. Jen was deeply touched and realized he was right.”

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Jen’s late mother, Nancy Dow.

Nancy died last May at the age of 79 after suffering a series of strokes and losing the ability to speak. While Jen visited her mother one final time before her passing, her death was — and clearly continues to be — a complicated situation for the beloved Friends actress.

“Jen hated her mom, Nancy, for so long,” an insider tells In Touch. “It’s very disturbing to Jen that she continues to be so upset about her death.”

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