Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN), though often subtle, can significantly impact adults in various ways. Let’s delve into its effects, potential causes, and how therapy can offer healing.

Sometimes it is only as an Adult that we notice how the effects of CEN can encroach on our daily lives. Below are just a few of the signs: 

  • Fear of rejection
  • Feelings of emptiness
  • Lack of self-compassion  
  • Not feeling good enough
  • Feeling over sensitive
  • Needing constant reassurance
  • Fear of abandonment
  • Feeling over emotional or over sensitive
  • Scared of conflict
  • Difficulty in making and maintaining relationships
  • Problems with intimacy
  • Fear of being seen
  • Lack of boundaries

Effects of Childhood Emotional Neglect on Adults: Growing up with CEN can shape our emotional landscape as adults. We may struggle with self-esteem, feeling unworthy or undeserving of love and care. Our interpersonal relationships might be affected, as we may find it challenging to express emotions or connect deeply with others. CEN can cause us to avoid emotions altogether. Identifying and processing feelings becomes difficult, leading to a general sense of ‘numbness’. This is emotional detachment serves as a self-protective mechanism, but it can hinder our ability to form healthy relationships and understand ourselves.

Causes of Childhood Emotional Neglect: Emotional neglect occurs when caregivers are emotionally absent or dismissive. They may lack the tools to handle childhood emotions or intentionally ignore them. Some parents are uncomfortable with emotions, unsure how to respond to their child’s feelings. Stressors in the parent’s life, such as addiction, work-life balance, and mental health issues, can contribute to unintentional emotional neglect. Emotional neglect is often less about what parents actively do and more about what they don’t do. It’s the absence of emotional validation, support, and security that leaves lasting imprints on a child’s psyche.

Remember, acknowledging the impact of CEN and seeking professional support can pave the way toward emotional resilience and healthier relationships.

Our Practitioners:

“It is of huge significance that we receive loving emotional care during our formative years. If this early part of our life experience is neglected by the caregiver, then there is the likelihood that our self-worth will be negatively affected and mental health issues will start to develop over time. Examples of childhood emotional neglect may include a lack of affection or encouragement, having your feelings dismissed, not being validated or having a caregiver who lacks emotional availability. These unmet needs in children can manifest themselves in extreme behaviours which tend to affect physical and mental development as well as the ability to appropriately connect with others and oneself. As an adult, if these issues continue to be suppressed, they will develop into such symptoms as trust issues, fears of rejection, depression, difficulty maintaining relationships and general low self-esteem. These are significant blocks to your wellbeing and potential and we may often not be aware of quite why we feel the way we do. My aim is to help you bring more awareness towards these feelings and why they occur. This mental groundwork prepares the way towards positive changes and together we will work towards making the adjustments that best suit the type of individual that you are.” Dylan Peters, Psychotherapeutic Counsellor >

It is usually during our earliest years that we form that essential understanding of who we are and what we mean to those around us. A secure sense of self and basic understanding that we are welcome in the world depends on the care we receive, not only from parents or guardians but also peers, teachers and other authorities as we grow towards become valued members of society. Neglect occurs when the basic needs of being seen, held, heard, nurtured and/or played with are not met. Neglect can also mean a failure on behalf of those in authority to feed, clean, clothe or attend to the other fundamentals that allow us to present in the world ready to learn and grow with vigour and joy. 
If you are living as an adult who carries an experience of childhood neglect, whatever its shape, I can help. Psychodrama psychotherapy supports you at your own pace to understand the impact of neglect on how you view your needs and their importance, gently understanding how you learned to get your needs met. We will look at how the past impacts your behaviours in the present, and the beliefs that define who you are and the relationships you form. I will come alongside you to uncover the beliefs about yourself, others and the world that may no longer be serving you and help you find ways to uncover different, more rewarding responses. Above all, I will offer you undivided attention during our sessions with the freedom to talk, to be silent, to play and to create in an atmosphere of warmth and security.”  Alexa Edelist, Psychotherapist and Couple Counsellor >

HARVEST THERAPY
44 Russell Square,
London WC1B 4JP
United Kingdom

Phone Number: 020 8962 6247
email: info@harvest-therapy.co.uk