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A child can only experience his feelings when there is…

“A child can only experience his feelings when there is someone there who fully accepts them, names them and supports them. Another consequence of this emotional abandonment is the loss of a sense of self. When used as another’s narcissistic supplies, a person develops in such a way as to reveal…” quote by John Bradshaw
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““A child can only experience his feelings when there is someone there who fully accepts them, names them and supports them. Another consequence of this emotional abandonment is the loss of a sense of self. When used as another’s narcissistic supplies, a person develops in such a way as to reveal only what is expected of him and ultimately fuses with his own act or performance. He becomes a “human doing” without any real sense of his authentic self. According to Winnicotti, his true self remains in a “state of noncommunication.””

John Bradshaw

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Emotional acceptance and naming feelings prevent loss of self and avoid narcissistic performance.

In simple terms: Being truly accepted lets authentic self emerge.

Key Takeaway

Provide unconditional acceptance and name emotions.

Themes

emotional health self-awareness authenticity boundaries

Mood

empathetic supportive

Type

psychological inspirational

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • parenting
  • mentor relationships

Key Concepts

psychology attachment theory self-concept

Questions to Reflect On

  • What happens when feelings are ignored?
  • How can we foster authentic self-expression?
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