Therapy for Emotional Neglect, Anxiety, and Relationship Struggles
Virtual Psychodynamic Therapy in California
Based in Sherman Oaks
When Nothing Was “Wrong” but Something was Missing
Many of the people I work with tell me some version of this:
“My childhood wasn’t abusive. My parents did their best. So why do I feel anxious, disconnected, or unsure how to be close to people?”
Emotional neglect is not about what happened—it’s about what didn’t.
It’s about growing up without enough space for your feelings, your inner life, your confusion, your anger, your softness. It’s about learning early on to be self-reliant, to minimize your needs, to figure things out alone.
As an adult, this can show up quietly but persistently:
anxiety that seems to come from nowhere
difficulty trusting relationships or knowing what you want
feeling “behind” in life, love, or identity
chronic self-doubt, overthinking, or emotional exhaustion
a sense of drifting, longing, or existential unease
You may look capable on the outside while feeling untethered on the inside.
How Emotional Neglect Shapes Adult Life
When emotional needs were overlooked or misunderstood early on, many people learn to adapt by becoming:
hyper-independent
emotionally guarded
highly attuned to others, but disconnected from themselves
Over time, this can make relationships feel confusing or painful. You may crave closeness while simultaneously pulling away. Friendships may feel hard to maintain. Romantic relationships can stir intense anxiety, ambivalence, or fear of choosing “wrong.”
For many thoughtful or creative people, this also connects to deeper questions:
Who am I really?
Am I wasting my life?
How do I care about the world without feeling overwhelmed by it?
These aren’t flaws—they’re signals. And they deserve care, not correction.
