Well intentioned people will often tell a struggling acquaintance/friend/family member to just think positive or dont think about that. While this, again, is a well-meaninged response to a persons pain, it sends a totally different message: 1) difficult emotions and thoughts should not exist. 2) but if they do they should be controlled. 3) we can make our feelings positive. & 4) having positive feelings can make bad things not happen. Working with survivors of trauma, I often see a surprised look on their faces when they tell me theyre often angry and sad and my response is I bet youre angry/sad!! You have a right to be!! Moral: when somebody is struggling and venting, recognize that they have a right to their thoughts and feelings... Dont take that validation away. :)
Posted on: Wed, 04 Jun 2014 18:24:56 +0000
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