Did You Grow Up in Invalidating Environment?

 As a trauma therapist in Oakland, CA , the impacts of an invalidating environment often arise. Ever wonder why you have a hard time trusting yourself? Why you you have a hard time making a decision? Why you have such a harsh inner voice? Perhaps you grew up in an invalidating environment.

According to Marsha Linehan, the creator of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, "an invalidating environment is one in which communication of private experiences is met by erratic, inappropriate, and extreme responses", such as punishment or ignoring. Chronic invalidation can lead to symptoms to Complex Trauma (or C-PTSD or Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). 

Chronic invalidation during childhood can have a significant impact on an individual's mental health and well-being as an adult. When a person's thoughts, feelings, and experiences are dismissed, ignored, or judged repeatedly it can lead to the development of negative beliefs about oneself and one's experiences, as well as difficulties with trust, self-esteem, feeling heightened anger, and emotional regulation. It can also increase the risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Not as simple as a list! Recovery is a long, complex road requiring support, resources, and patience. 
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chronic invalidation