I have always had trouble relating to most things people tell about trauma. But what you just said – this echoes my experience. Being scolded for having problems, incl. health problems. As far as my family was concerned, problems should’t be talked about at all, or dealt with in any way. They should just not exist in the first place. It is an incredibly lonely experience growing up this way, without any support, or concern, from your parents. But the worst thing for me is, i do not feel the loneliness, because and you cannot miss something you’ve never had. It is not simply that love, support, safety is taken from you, it is that they simply don’t exist in at all.. i am in therapy now but i have to constantly remind myself that these things, for other people, are actually real.

In addition, my family still picks on me, sometimes pretending it’s a humorous thing. I know my parents went through a lot, but it was still abusive.
I’ll be buying your second book… And seeing your online videos, getting your emails, and thinking about this has already helped me so much! Thanks so very much for all you’ve done.

Dear Tracy, check the Find A CEN Therapist List under the HELP tab of this website. There is most likely someone in St. Louis or nearby.

Dear Anna, I am glad to have been able to answer some questions for you. All my best wishes!

Dear Wendy, that is the experience of the CEN child. I’m sorry you went through that as a child.