If you are working with a therapist or coach to heal symptoms of any mental health disorder and they are using the buzz words of the month to further suppress your feelings because they are “old school,” and are not trained in SEL (social emotional learning) or TIA (Trauma Informed Approach), Motivational Interviewing, and the like, run to the nearest exit.
As therapists and coaches, we should be encouraging our clients to unpack their emotions and feelings, to talk through the trauma, albeit at their own pace, and then we need to teach them new tools and strategies to continue healing, and to embrace uncertainty and triggers as they move forward.
Sayings like, “This too shall pass, You are on your own journey, Everything happens for a reason,” that are meant to stifle us, are more than unhelpful and unhealthy…they are dismissing one’s right to feel, and can cause us to feel shame and guilt about our feelings.
Further, please refrain from using “labels.” We are not “damaged.” Our disorders DO NOT define us. We have lived experience that either traumatized us, or has caused us to live in a heightened state of fear and anxiety, but we CAN AND DO heal if we have the right guidance and spiritual support.
Be mindful of your language. It can be the loving support for one who needs empathy and compassion, or it can further deny one’s right to feel where they become even more fearful to speak their truth.
Be a part of their healing.
Allow them to speak their truth in a safe space without judgement. Simply meet them where they are and allow them to take the lead as you guide them with love.
Love,
Wendy
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