I had a void in myself from childhood abuse. I tried all kinds of things to fill that void. It didn't work. I ended up learning to treat that void in therapy. It really doesn't matter where the void came from, just being able to comfort the parts of myself that needed to be healed. My T used a pillow, but anything soft and small would work. I have teddy bears at home that I hold if I feel vulnerable. That and self-talk that I'm loved and valued for who I am.