Not necessarily in a simple, linear, final way. But in a real way. A life-changing way. A way that slowly brings more awareness, more choice, more compassion, and more connection with yourself.

There is a particular ache in not being asked. Not being asked how you are. Not being asked what happened. Not being asked what you think. Not being asked what you feel.

You do not resonate with everyone you meet, and this is also true when you meet a therapist. The relationship itself matters. The way a therapist listens, responds, explains their work, and creates a sense of safety can make a significant difference to how your therapy unfolds.

Presence sounds simple. Be here. Notice this moment. Come back to now. But for many people, being present is not simple at all. The mind may be in the past, replaying what happened. The mind may be in the future, trying to predict what might happen. The body may be braced, tense, restless, or tired. Emotions may feel too much, too distant, or too hard to name. You may be physically in the room, but not fully here with yourself. This is one reason presence matters. Presence is

Emotional neglect is often difficult to name because it is about absence. The absence of warmth. The absence of comfort. The absence of delight. The absence of repair. The absence of attention. The absence of emotional responsiveness. You may have been fed, clothed, educated, and provided for. But emotionally, you may still have been alone.

You might delay replying. You might tell yourself you will answer later. You might feel tired before anything has even happened. You might begin thinking through everything that could go wrong. Then, perhaps, you criticise yourself. Why am I like this? Why can’t I just enjoy people? Why do ordinary friendships feel like so much work?