Paternal absence

What does paternal absence feel like?

If you had an absent father growing up, you’ll know it’s more than their physical absence that matters. It’s the emotional absence that is crucial, and that’s why there is more paternal absence than the statistics can really quantify.

For so many, their father was physically present but emotionally absent.

And emotional absence is where it really stings.

This is a different kind of loss entirely. It’s being physically together but feeling emotionally estranged.

This kind of Paternal absence can feel like…

🌀 Yearning for that gentle, firm hand of reassurance at the base of your spine

🌀 Wishing to be held in a serious gaze that says ‘I know you can do it, even if you don’t yet’

🌀 Wondering if they really will show up when they say they’re going to be.

🌀 Waiting, waiting, so much waiting

🌀 Longing to be witnessed in the small and everyday moments of you.

What does your experience of paternal absence feel like? If you’d like to give your experience the space it deserves in therapy, contact me via link in bio and we begin this important journey.