covert or emotional incest

covert or emotional incest

As a child you may have had to fulfill the emotional needs of an adult in your life. Covert incest is a term that is often used to describe a relationship between a parent and child is sexualized to fulfill the adult’s emotional needs but does not actually include physical incest. The effects of this relationship often mimic the symptoms of sexual abuse, and when the child becomes an adult they often experience feelings of abandonment, guilt or confusion or difficulty identifying their emotional needs. They may also feel inadequate or worthless at their core, which can manifest as ambivalence in relationships and difficulty with commitment or finding true satisfaction in a partnership. Begin the process of freeing yourself from any compulsions or addictions you have that you have used to medicate your pain around this experience. Explore whether your drive in the areas of work, success and achievements has been a form of coping with these deeper issues.