Childhood Emotional Neglect: How it Affects Us As Adults
Childhood emotional neglect is a form of childhood trauma that is often overlooked or misunderstood. It occurs when a parent or caregiver fails to recognize, accept, or respond to a child’s emotional needs. This can lead to a host of issues in adulthood, such as difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, low self-esteem, and difficulty regulating emotions. If you’ve experienced childhood emotional neglect, it’s important to seek professional help and start the healing process. At Purple Sky Counseling in Murray, Utah, we understand the impact of childhood emotional neglect and are here to provide the support and resources you need to heal.
What is Childhood Emotional Neglect?
Childhood emotional neglect (CEN) is a form of childhood trauma caused by the failure of a parent or caregiver to recognize, accept, and respond to a child’s emotional needs. This can include neglecting a child’s need for affection, attention, guidance, or validation. It can also include a lack of parental involvement or the lack of appropriate emotional guidance. CEN can be intentional or unintentional, but either way, the result is the same: the child is left feeling emotionally neglected and unsupported.
How Does Childhood Emotional Neglect Impact Adults?
Childhood emotional neglect can have long-lasting effects on adults. It can lead to difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, low self-esteem, and difficulty regulating emotions. Adults who experienced childhood emotional neglect may have difficulty expressing their emotions, understanding their emotions, or even recognizing that they have emotions. They may also struggle with anxiety, depression, and addiction.
At Purple Sky Counseling in Murray, Utah, we understand the impact of childhood emotional neglect and are here to provide the support and resources you need to heal. Our therapists are experienced in treating individuals who have experienced CEN and can provide the safe, supportive environment you need to process and heal from your childhood experiences.
What Are the Signs of Childhood Emotional Neglect?
If you’re unsure if you experienced CEN, there are some signs to look for:
• Difficulty recognizing your own feelings and emotions
• Difficulty connecting with others
• Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships
• Low self-esteem
• Feeling disconnected from your family and friends
• Difficulty regulating emotions
• Feeling like you don’t “fit in”
• Feeling like your needs don’t matter
If you recognize any of these signs, it’s important to seek professional help. At Purple Sky Counseling in Murray, Utah, we understand the impact of childhood emotional neglect and can provide the support and resources you need to heal.
How Can Therapy Help?
Therapy can be an invaluable tool in the healing process. A therapist can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to process and heal from childhood emotional neglect. Your therapist can help you identify and understand your emotions, learn to recognize and meet your own emotional needs, and develop healthy coping skills. In therapy, you can also explore the impact of CEN on your relationships and work on developing healthier relationships with others.
At Purple Sky Counseling in Murray, Utah, we understand the impact of childhood emotional neglect and are here to provide the support and resources you need to heal. Our therapists are experienced in treating individuals who have experienced CEN and can provide the safe, supportive environment you need to process and heal from your childhood experiences.
Conclusion
Childhood emotional neglect is a form of childhood trauma that can have long-lasting effects on adults. If you’ve experienced childhood emotional neglect, it’s important to seek professional help and start the healing process. At Purple Sky Counseling in Murray, Utah, we understand the impact of childhood emotional neglect and are here to provide the support and resources you need to heal. Our team of experienced therapists can provide the safe, non-judgmental space you need to process and heal from your childhood experiences. Contact us today for more information about our counseling services.