Abandonment Quote by John Bradshaw
““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.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Healing the Shame that Binds You, John Bradshaw, 1988
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?
