Heal the invisible wounds of childhood emotional neglect.
When we think of childhood abuse and neglect, we usually think of physical, sexual, or verbal harm. Yet another type of trauma commonly happens in childhood that often goes unnoticed. When a child’s emotional needs are routinely overlooked, ignored, invalidated, or unaddressed, it's called emotional neglect. And it's equally as damaging in the long-term.
Understanding what didn’t happen in childhood can be the key to understanding what's causing problems in your relationships today.
Understanding what didn’t happen in childhood can be the key to understanding what's causing problems in your relationships today.
I'm Smadar Salzman, and I specialize in treating Childhood Emotional Neglect.
I have specialized training and nearly two decades of experience helping adults heal from childhood emotional neglect. You don't have to wonder if your therapist really gets you, an experience that can painfully replicate the exact nature of the trauma you experienced as a child. It's ok if you can't exactly name what you're struggling with or your goals for therapy. I understand this is part of the damage caused by emotional neglect. You won't be shamed or judged in our sessions. I'll listen to you and help you discover who you truly are inside.
I can help you navigate and heal from past emotional neglect so you can deeply understand yourself and create healthy connections with others. |
Finding a therapist to help you heal from childhood emotional neglect can be tricky.
Do you feel empty and disconnected? Do you sense that you’re different from everyone else, but you can’t put your finger on what’s wrong? Childhood emotional neglect, a term coined by psychologist Dr. Jonice Webb, is a powerful experience, but one that often goes unnoticed and untreated.
Childhood emotional neglect can be hard to identify because it’s what didn’t happen in your childhood. It doesn’t leave any visible bruises or scars, but it’s hurtful and confusing for children.
Many people who experienced Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN) describe their childhood as good and it’s only on closer examination that they recognize that something important was missing. Your parents may have been great at taking care of your physical needs, but emotional support and validation were all but nonexistent. The resultant cognitive dissonance can continue to wreak havoc in your intimate relationships and you may be drawn repeatedly to emotionally unavailable and dismissive partners.
As your therapist, I'll understand and help you recognize that childhood emotional neglect is the result of your parents' inability to validate and respond adequately to your emotional needs, not some inherent flaw in you that makes you unlovable.
Children rely on their parents to meet their physical and emotional needs. And significant, but invisible damage is done when parents fail to meet their children’s emotional needs. I can help you to heal from emotional neglect and the impact it has had on your self-esteem and relationships.
Childhood emotional neglect can be hard to identify because it’s what didn’t happen in your childhood. It doesn’t leave any visible bruises or scars, but it’s hurtful and confusing for children.
Many people who experienced Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN) describe their childhood as good and it’s only on closer examination that they recognize that something important was missing. Your parents may have been great at taking care of your physical needs, but emotional support and validation were all but nonexistent. The resultant cognitive dissonance can continue to wreak havoc in your intimate relationships and you may be drawn repeatedly to emotionally unavailable and dismissive partners.
As your therapist, I'll understand and help you recognize that childhood emotional neglect is the result of your parents' inability to validate and respond adequately to your emotional needs, not some inherent flaw in you that makes you unlovable.
Children rely on their parents to meet their physical and emotional needs. And significant, but invisible damage is done when parents fail to meet their children’s emotional needs. I can help you to heal from emotional neglect and the impact it has had on your self-esteem and relationships.
FAQ about therapy for childhood emotional neglect.
How do I know if I experienced childhood emotional neglect? |
Healing involves recognizing that your feelings of emptiness, shame, or unworthiness are directly connected to your undeniably legitimate human needs for connection that were missed in your formative relationships in childhood.
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How can therapy help me heal from emotional neglect? |
Since emotional neglect is an interpersonal wound, healing often needs to happen within a relationship. This can begin to happen in therapy because of the safe, consistent nature of the therapeutic relationship. Eventually you can begin to transfer this felt sense of being seen, heard, and that your inner world matters to your other relationships outside of therapy, too.
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Can I have healthy relationships after childhood emotional neglect? |
You can learn that, even though you've been ignored or rejected by some people, you can still seek out others who can meet your needs for connection. You can find people who are capable of meeting you with enthusiasm, even if you weren’t celebrated as a child.
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You deserve a therapist who specializes in treating Childhood Emotional Neglect.
Online therapy allows you to choose an expert to help you with your relationship or individual issues rather than just having to choose a therapist in your geographic area.
Offering online therapy for Childhood Emotional Neglect in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California.
Offering online therapy for Childhood Emotional Neglect in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California.
My Specialties
Individual TherapyOnline in the San Francisco Bay Area and all of California
Do you feel frustrated, caught in repetitive toxic relationship cycles, and losing yourself while trying to please others? Are self-critical thoughts and past trauma casting shadows over your relationships, leaving you feeling unlovable and disconnected? Individual therapy offers a life-changing journey, guiding you from self-blame and numbness to understanding, connection, and inner peace, helping you break free from the cycle of self-doubt and rediscover yourself.
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Couples CounselingOnline in the San Francisco Bay Area and all of California
Do you find yourselves longing for deeper connection but feeling hindered by past wounds or family dynamics? Are you navigating a challenging phase of your relationship and feeling stuck in conflict or defensiveness? Couples therapy offers a transformative path, guiding you from disconnection to openness and emotional attunement, rekindling the bond you both desire.
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Therapy for TherapistsOnline in the San Francisco Bay Area and all of California
Are you feeling isolated while navigating the complexities of being a therapist? Do you yearn for a space where you can authentically explore your innermost fears and anxieties? Online therapy with a seasoned therapist offers you a dedicated sanctuary, your own safe place to delve into your emotions and foster the self-care principles you extend to others.
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Diverse populations are always welcome in my practice, including all cultures, sexual orientations, genders, and relationship structures.