Codependent Doctor E49: How to Deal With Father's Day When You Had an Emotionally Absent Father
Do Father’s Day celebrations leave you feeling hollow instead of happy? You’re not alone.
In this raw, candid conversation, we explore the grief that comes with having a father who was physically present but emotionally absent—a special kind of loss that often goes unspoken.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- The lasting impact of emotional neglect on self-worth and relationships
- How we internalize the absence of emotional warmth as “something is wrong with me”
- The burden of generational silence and narrow definitions of masculinity
- A new vision of fatherhood: presence > perfection
- Permission to grieve what you never had—and to redefine Father’s Day on your own terms
- Practical ways to honor yourself: letters, rituals, boundaries, or simply skipping the day
Your healing matters. Whether you’re ready to rewrite your relationship with Father’s Day or simply want to feel seen—this conversation will meet you where you are.
This episode includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp. Click this link, betterhelp.com/drdowney, to get 10% off your first month.
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🎵 Music: Touching The Air by Graceful Movement