Jane O'Rourke interviews Graham Music, a child adolescent and adult psychotherapist who has a passion for neurobiology, psychoanalysis, attachment theory, mindfulness and well that’s to name just a few areas. Because Graham’s curious mind is always on the look out for the less explored areas of psychotherapy and how to think about difficult subjects– and this subject today is – somewhat ironically – overlooked.  

We are talking about Neglect.  Graham says that people who have experienced early neglect are often stuck in shut-down dampened states and do not ask for help, as they’ve not learnt it is possible to have it. Emotional neglect as a therapeutic challenge is too little understood. Neglect is different from abuse and overt trauma as it is about the good experiences which are not received, not the bad ones that are suffered. 

To quote Graham he says neglect is not about omission not commission, about the effects of not receiving the growth inducing experiences that help minds grow, emotional lives thrive and hearts come alive. It is being held in mind, understood, thought about, cherished and enjoyed which gives rise to emotional growth. This is just what neglected children do not get."  Hear more in this interview with Graham about even though many therapists might be tempted to give up, consistently showing curiosity, interest and pleasure can re-awaken buried potentials for interaction. 

Here he describes the different types of neglect, the neurobiological findings and the clinical techniques which might be helpful.  

You can also read Graham’s written Thought Piece and find our downloadable PDF which Graham has written about neglect at www.mindinmind.org.uk and many other interviews, podcasts and thought pieces to deepen our understanding of child mental health.