260 – Childhood Emotional Neglect with Dr. Jonice Webb
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Episode Summary
Do you ever feel unfulfilled, empty, or disconnected, even when your life looks good on the outside?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jonice Webb, psychologist, author, and leading expert on childhood emotional neglect, for a powerful conversation about what happens when our emotions are not seen, heard, validated, or tended to as children.
Childhood emotional neglect can be subtle. It is not always abuse, and it can happen even in loving, well-meaning homes. But when caregivers do not know how to respond to a child’s emotional world, that child may grow into an adult who does not know how to feel, name, trust, or express their emotions.
We talk about how childhood emotional neglect can lead to shame, disconnection, emotional emptiness, and struggles with intimacy in adulthood. Dr. Webb explains why emotions are our inner navigation system and why reconnecting with them is essential for joy, passion, healthy relationships, and living from The Adult Chair.
This episode is such an important reminder that healing begins when we turn inward and begin reconnecting with the parts of ourselves that were overlooked or invalidated. When we learn how to feel our emotions and honor our inner world, we can begin creating the deeper connection, fulfillment, and intimacy we have been longing for.
Key Takeaways:
Childhood emotional neglect happens when a child’s emotions are not noticed, validated, or tended to
Emotional neglect can happen in loving and well-meaning families
Childhood emotional neglect is often subtle and may be hard to recognize
When emotions are ignored or invalidated, children may begin to feel shame about having feelings
Emotional neglect can create emptiness, disconnection, and difficulty knowing what you feel
Adults who experienced emotional neglect may struggle with emotional intimacy
Emotions are an inner navigation system that helps us understand ourselves and our needs
Learning to access your emotions is essential for joy, passion, connection, and healthy relationships
Healing begins by noticing, naming, and validating your emotional experience
Reconnecting with your emotions helps you come back into your true self and your Adult Chair
Childhood Emotional Neglect
Childhood emotional neglect happens when a child’s emotional needs are not consistently noticed, responded to, or validated by their caregivers. It is not always obvious, and it does not always come from a home that looks unhealthy from the outside. Many parents love their children deeply but simply do not know how to recognize or support their child’s emotional world.
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332: How to Get Rid of Negative Emotions
Links and Resources:
Dr. Jonice Webb Website
“Running on Empty” (Dr. Jonice Webb book)
https://drjonicewebb.com/the-book/
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