Why Do I Feel So Empty?
Healing from Childhood Emotional Neglect
Trauma-Informed Therapy for Adults in New Jersey & Pennsylvania
If you grew up in a home where your physical needs were met—but your emotions were minimized, ignored, or overlooked—you may be living with the quiet, invisible effects of childhood emotional neglect (CEN).
Many adults don’t recognize this as trauma.
They just know something feels missing.
This page is for people who look “fine” on the outside, but feel disconnected, numb, or chronically unsatisfied on the inside—and don’t understand why.
Does It Feel Like Something Is Missing?
Many people come to therapy saying they don’t feel bad exactly—but they don’t feel whole either.
You might recognize yourself in thoughts like:
“I feel empty, even when life looks okay.”
“I don’t really know what I feel.”
“Why am I so hard on myself?”
“Why do I feel disconnected from people—even ones I love?”
When children don’t receive emotional validation, mirroring, or comfort, they often learn to disconnect from their inner world to cope. That disconnection can follow you into adulthood
What Is Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN)?
Childhood emotional neglect happens when a child’s emotional needs are not adequately noticed, responded to, or supported—often without obvious abuse or cruelty.
It’s not about what did happen.
It’s about what didn’t.
This can include:
Parents who were emotionally unavailable, overwhelmed, or dismissive
A household where feelings weren’t talked about
Being expected to be “easy,” “independent,” or self-sufficient too early
Caregivers who met physical needs but struggled with emotional connection
Common Adult Signs of Childhood Emotional Neglect:
Chronic emptiness or numbness
Difficulty identifying or expressing emotions
Harsh inner self-criticism
People-pleasing or over-functioning
Feeling disconnected from your needs or desires
Trouble feeling deeply connected in relationships
These patterns are adaptive responses—not personal flaws.
How Therapy for Emotional Neglect Can Help
The good news is that these "invisible wounds" can be healed. You weren't born with these feelings; you learned them as a survival tool. In therapy, we work together to unlearn the belief that you don't matter.
1. Putting Words to the "Nothingness"
We help you identify the feelings you’ve been bottling up for years. Once you name them, they lose their power over you.
2. Ending the People-Pleasing Cycle
Learn how to set boundaries and say "no" without the crushing weight of guilt. You’ll learn that your needs are just as important as everyone else’s.
3. Silencing Your Inner Critic
We work to replace that voice in your head that says you aren't "enough" with a voice that is kind, supportive, and realistic.
4. Building Real Connections
When you stop hiding your true self, your relationships become deeper and more fulfilling. You’ll learn how to let people in without the fear of being "too much."
You Don’t Have to Be the “Strong One” Anymore
Many adults with childhood emotional neglect learned early on to rely on themselves.
That strength helped you survive—but it may be costing you connection, joy, and ease now.
Healing from emotional neglect isn’t about becoming someone else.
It’s about finally allowing yourself to have needs.
I work with adults throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania via secure telehealth.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re tired of feeling empty, disconnected, or emotionally unseen, support is available.
No pressure.
Just space to talk and see if this feels like a fit.