Much of what I write on From CEN to Wholeness explores sensitive and deeply personal struggles — the invisible wounds left by Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN), the ache of disconnection, and the path back to emotional presence.
Because these topics require both compassion and clarity, I want to share the theoretical roots and clinical influences that guide my work. These frameworks shape how I understand CEN, trauma, and healing — and they ensure that what you read here is grounded in respected approaches.
Core Psychological Influences
Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN)
Inspired by the work of Jonice Webb, CEN describes the pain of what wasn’t there in childhood — the missed attunement, validation, and emotional presence that leave an invisible void in adulthood.
Attachment Theory
John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth showed how early caregiving shapes emotional development. Attachment wounds echo into adult relationships, especially for those who grew up unseen or unsupported.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Developed by Richard Schwartz, IFS helps us recognize the “parts” within us — protective, exiled, or wounded — and meet them with compassion rather than judgment. This lens is deeply useful for healing the inner emptiness of CEN.
Polyvagal Theory
From Stephen Porges, this theory explains how our nervous system governs safety, connection, and shutdown. It sheds light on why CEN survivors often struggle with emotional numbness or difficulty feeling safe in relationships.
Human Givens
Human Givens is a practical, solution-focused approach that emphasizes meeting universal emotional needs to improve mental well-being. It complements trauma-informed frameworks by highlighting actionable strategies for restoring balance, connection, and fulfillment.
Jungian Depth Psychology
Carl Jung’s work invites us to honor the unconscious and the symbolic — to explore what has been hidden or silenced, and to find meaning in integration.
Trauma and Compassion
Gabor Maté’s insights highlight how trauma is not simply “what happened,” but how our bodies and minds adapted to survive. His compassionate view informs the tone of my work.
Complex Trauma Recovery
Pete Walker’s writing on Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) offers invaluable language for survivors who feel chronically stuck in cycles of fear, shame, or emotional flashbacks. His practical tools guide much of my thinking on recovery.
How I Weave These Together
Each of these influences adds a different piece to the healing puzzle:
- Attachment + CEN research explain where the void begins.
- IFS + Polyvagal theory offer ways to gently reconnect with inner parts and regulate the nervous system.
- Human Givens, Maté and Walker’s trauma work give a compassionate roadmap for lifelong patterns of coping.
- Jung’s perspective reminds us that healing also means meaning-making and integration.
Together, they form a framework that is both clinically informed and deeply human.
If you’d like to explore these approaches more deeply, I’ve created a guide that gently introduces each one and shares the book I most often recommend to begin your journey with it:
Explore 8 Key Frameworks to Understand Yourself — With One Book for Each Step of the Journey
Why It Matters
I share these influences not to overwhelm you with theory, but to give you confidence in the foundation of my work. Healing from CEN and complex trauma is not about “quick fixes.” It’s about understanding the invisible wounds you carry and meeting them with patience, knowledge, and compassion.
May these frameworks offer you both clarity and comfort — and may you feel less alone as you walk the path from neglect to wholeness.
Curious about who I am and how this work began? Explore my story