Childhood Emotional Neglect Counseling in NJ & PA
Healing the Wounds You Couldn't See—But Still Feel Today
“Nothing really happened, but I’ve always felt… off.”
If you’ve found yourself struggling with self-worth, emotional disconnection, or a sense of inner emptiness—and can’t point to a clear cause—you might be carrying the invisible weight of childhood emotional neglect (CEN).
Many clients who come to me say things like:
“I can’t figure out why I feel so numb or shut down.”
“I had a ‘normal’ childhood, so why do I feel so anxious, guilty, or lost?”
“I don’t feel like I’m allowed to have needs.”
“No one really saw me growing up.”
These aren’t just passing thoughts. They’re signs of deep emotional wounding—and they’re incredibly valid.
What Is Childhood Emotional Neglect?
Childhood emotional neglect happens when a child’s emotional needs—like comfort, validation, and support—are consistently unmet.
It’s not about obvious trauma or chaos. In fact, many adults who experienced CEN grew up in homes that appeared stable. But if your caregivers ignored your feelings, minimized your struggles, or expected you to be “the easy one,” you may have learned early on to disconnect from your emotional self.
As an adult, this can show up as:
Chronic self-criticism or perfectionism
Feeling emotionally disconnected from others (or yourself)
Difficulty identifying or expressing feelings
Trouble trusting your own needs, instincts, or boundaries
A sense that you’re “not enough,” no matter how much you achieve
Feeling like you're just going through the motions in life or relationships
How I Help Clients Heal from Emotional Neglect
In my practice, I support adults in New Jersey and Pennsylvania who are ready to gently explore the impact of childhood emotional neglect and build a more connected, self-compassionate life.
Using trauma-informed therapy, we’ll work together to:
Identify how emotional neglect shaped your current struggles and patterns
Reconnect with your emotions in ways that feel safe and empowering
Develop the tools to express needs and set boundaries without guilt
Understand and reframe core beliefs like “I’m too much” or “I don’t matter”
Practice inner reparenting and self-compassion
Shift out of survival mode and into deeper, authentic living
I integrate EMDR, DBT skills, and attachment-based approaches to support your healing at a pace that honors your unique nervous system and lived experiences.
This Isn’t “All in Your Head”—It’s in Your Story
Emotional neglect can be subtle but deeply impactful. And healing doesn’t mean blaming your parents or reliving the past—it means finally giving yourself the care, attention, and emotional connection you’ve always deserved.
You don’t have to keep pushing down your feelings or pretending everything’s fine. If you’re ready to feel more grounded, whole, and emotionally alive, therapy can help.
Start Counseling for Childhood Emotional Neglect Today
I offer virtual therapy for emotional neglect to adults throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Whether you're newly exploring this concept or have long sensed something was missing, you're not alone—and you're not broken.
Let’s work together to help you feel seen, understood, and reconnected with yourself.
Book a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit.
