Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect

Many of us grew up in homes where basic needs were met—food, shelter, safety—yet something vital was missing: emotional awareness and connection. In Running on Empty, psychologist Jonice Webb introduces the concept of Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN), a hidden but powerful experience where feelings were overlooked, dismissed, or never named.

This groundbreaking book gives you the tools to learn the language of emotions—even if no one taught you growing up. With clarity and compassion, Webb explains how unacknowledged emotions can show up later in life as emptiness, disconnection, or low self-worth—and, most importantly, how to change that story.

Through practical exercises, real-life examples, and step-by-step guidance, you’ll learn to:

- Recognize the subtle signs of CEN in your own life

- Identify and name emotions you may have long suppressed

- Develop the skills to process feelings in healthy ways

- Reconnect with your needs and build stronger, more authentic relationships

Running on Empty is not just about healing the past; it’s about equipping yourself with the emotional fluency and resilience you need to live fully in the present. Whether you’re just beginning to notice the effects of emotional neglect or are deep in the journey of self-discovery, this book offers both validation and a path forward.