How To Find A Therapist That Works With Childhood Emotional Neglect

Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding a therapist experienced with childhood emotional neglect.

Identify Your Needs and Preferences

• Are you looking to process past neglect, develop emotional awareness, or work on relationship patterns? Identifying your primary focus can help you choose the right therapist.
• Do you prefer in-person sessions or are you open to online therapy?
• Determine what you can afford, and check if your insurance covers therapy.
• What style are you looking for? Some people prefer a warm and nurturing therapist, while others might want someone more structured.

Look for Therapists with CEN Expertise

Jonice Webb, the author of *Running on Empty*, has a directory of therapists trained specifically in her CEN framework. Visit her website [here](https://www.drjonicewebb.com/) to find practitioners familiar with her approach.

When reviewing a therapist’s profile:

• Look for terms like "childhood emotional neglect," "attachment issues," "trauma-informed therapy," or "family systems."
• Note their therapeutic modalities: Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and EMDR can all be helpful when working with CEN.

Ask Questions

• Do you have experience working with childhood emotional neglect?
• What is your approach to helping clients reconnect with their emotions?
• How do you address issues like emotional awareness, self-worth, and relationship patterns?
• What therapeutic methods do you use, and how might they help someone dealing with CEN?

Trust Your Gut

Healing from CEN requires a safe, supportive space. After meeting a potential therapist, ask yourself:

• Do I feel comfortable with them?
• Are they listening and validating my experiences?
• Do I feel hopeful about working with them?
• Do they have a plan to help me?