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On-Demand
The Trauma of Neglect: Identifying and Treating it in Therapy

“Because Nothing Is Not Nothing” – What Is Neglect-Informed Psychotherapy?

Ruth Cohn
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Information

Recorded

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe how neglect differs from other forms of trauma in its clinical presentation.

  • Explain the concept of “nothingness” as it relates to early relational experiences.

  • Identify common challenges therapists face in recognizing neglect in clinical practice.

Description

In this opening session, Ruth Cohn introduces the central premise of her work: that neglect is a profound trauma rooted in what was missing rather than what occurred. She explores how emotional absence—especially in early relationships—can be life-threatening for the infant brain. Cohn emphasizes the need for therapists to listen with their whole selves, engaging somatic and emotional awareness to detect unspoken narratives. The session sets a powerful tone for understanding the silent nature of neglect.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Ruth Cohn
Ruth Cohn, MFT, is a psychotherapist living and practicing in the San Francisco Bay area. She has been specializing in work with survivors of trauma and neglect, their intimate partners, and families since 1988. She is a Certified Sex Therapist, certified in Neurofeedback, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Imago Relationship Therapy. Ruth is also the author of numerous articles on sexuality, trauma, and neglect and three books: Working With the Developmental Trauma of Childhood Neglect: Using Psychotherapy and Attachment Theory Techniques in Clinical Practice, Coming Home to Passion: Restoring Loving Sexuality in Couples With Histories of Childhood Trauma and Neglect, and Out of My Mind: Late Night Contemplations About Trauma and Neglect.