Is there a therapist who can help with childhood emotional neglect?

Good afternoon Kari. Thanks so much for sharing your question!

First off, I just want to say I commend you for the bravery it takes to reach out and get more information about getting therapy! It can be a tough decision to work on your mental health and decide to work with a therapist, so great job for taking that first step by asking this question today!

The opportunity to work with a counselor could be beneficial for a number of different presenting problems you mentioned in your question. For example, you mentioned difficulties with working through traumatic memories from early childhood. It is important to be able to work through trauma memories with a licensed trained professional. Trauma memories store differently in the brain than other memories and usually can be coloring difficulties with other negative behavior patterns, thinking patterns, and feelings you are working on decreasing coming to counseling. The ability to work with a counselor who can help rewire the brain by talking through the memories in a safe, validating, supportive environment like therapy can be so beneficial!

Another thing you mentioned was difficulties with your sleep hygiene patterns. Our mind body connection is very directly related to our overall health mentally, physically, emotionally and more. Your BetterHelp counselor may be able to help by providing tips to support you with better sleep hygiene, tracking sleep patterns, and supporting you in establishing new healthy habits and routines and keeping you accountable with them!

Working with a therapist can be beneficial as well to support you in establishing a regular self-care regimen. So many times when life gets overwhelming and busy we begin to be the last thing on our to-do list, and the things that we enjoy to do become the first that we forget about.

Signing up for therapy services gives you a spot where you are focused on your mental and physical needs on a regular basis. You therapist is a valuable resource in your life to support you in navigating challenges, working through past traumas, learning healthy routines, or just supporting you in what you need and where you hope to be going in life!

Something to remember is that healing cannot be done in isolation! It is important to increase your social supports around your healing journey. Another thing to consider when making this decision is that healing when it comes to emotional work does not always look linear as you may expect! There are many ups, downs, and lessons learned and sometimes getting into the emotions you have been suppressing can feel worse before it gets better!

Having a safe, comfortable, supportive therapeutic relationship with your provider is key in determining your success and outcomes in treatment! That is why BetterHelp making it easy to find the provider that is right for you, communicate with that provider around your busy schedule, and meet with your provider in your comfortable, safe, environment with a touch of a button is so valuable.

I encourage you to make the decision to commit to your healing today! Although there is a time, financial, and responsibility associated with the decision to begin a healing journey, I promise you that if you do decide to begin the work it will be a decision that your future self will be thanking you for!

Give yourself the gift to work with a counselor and make a goal for yourself to see results and then go from there! You don't have to have all the answers to get started, and you are going to be supported along the way! The outcomes of working on mental and physical health is so incredibly worthwhile. You will notice changes in different areas of your life by focusing on your needs and prioritizing you more regularly.

I wish you best of luck in your healing journey! Don't give up on the opportunity that you can always make changes, and there is always an opportunity to grow from where you are today! Good luck!!