Emotional abuse can include manipulation, degrading words, the offering and removal of praise based on how it benefits their needs - it really can encompass a whole lot. There are even times where someone can be emotionally abusive/neglectful to a child without even realizing it such as dismissing or not validating their feelings etc. But its a horrible thing that can instill deep feelings including lack of self worth, etc. in a child (or even an adult in a relationship etc.)

In my case, T and I don't speak on it because its kind of an "untouchable" subject for me. But somethings I can (am willing to) share of my own experience include an emotionally distant biological mother (in infant years - which scarred me in ways that I haven't even realized; i've also been told it crossed the line to physical a few times). Or being told I "cried too much" (as a child) and that normal children would be over "it" by now. Or being told when I was at my lowest point (presuicide) and attempted to open up that "any problems you have you brought on yourself". What has effected me mostly (discovered this through T of course) is that I was told my emotional needs don't matter so much (and it was reflected in action) that I unconsciously (and almost always) "devalue" my needs and "upvalue" everyone elses in order to obtain a positive response and balanced environment.

I'm sorry that you had to endure these things (even if you aren't aware of it yet). It causes semi-permanent life long scars. ((((Hug))))