Do I Feel Validation?
Validation is a word we often hear when it comes to therapy and finding a therapist who “validates” you. But how do we know if we are feeling validated by a person or therapist? Imagine you are talking to your partner or close friend about some good news that has happened recently. Maybe you got a new pet, ate at a new dessert shop, or made a new connection. When you are talking to that person, do you feel they accept the expression of your feelings? Are they acknowledging how you feel? If yes, you are feeling validation from them! On the flip side, are they totally missing the mark on why you are happy or excited about the good news? Are they even paying attention to what you are saying? Sometimes we may talk to people who dismiss our feelings or ignore them completely. This is the opposite of validation. So, in short, validation is communicating to a person that their feelings are valid given the situation they are in.
One of the times I feel most validated is when a friend tells me something along the lines of, “I get that you feel worried about this situation, it makes sense you would feel that way”. It may seem like a simple statement, but it is powerful to hear from someone you care about or value. Validation is not only good to hear, but it also enhances the quality of your relationships overall! It can bring you satisfaction, happiness, and makes you feel better about yourself. For this reason, know that your therapist cares to make sure you always feel validated in session and that your emotions can be acknowledged without judgment or dismissal.
Now that you know about the power of validation, take the chance to intentionally show validation to your close friend, partner, or child when the opportunity arises. Don’t forget to let your therapist know how much you value their validation too! :)
Written by: Undergraduate Intern - Jade Umanzor
