Emotional Invalidation (Distinct from criticism)

A developmental environment where a person’s internal emotional experiences were dismissed, minimized, misunderstood, or treated as inappropriate, exaggerated, or inconvenient. Rather than being corrected or criticized for behaviour, emotions themselves may have been ignored, reframed, or denied (e.g., being told one “shouldn’t feel that way”). Over time, this can shape difficulty identifying or trusting one’s emotions, reliance on external cues to determine how one “should” feel, and a sense that internal experiences are unreliable or unacceptable.

“I Am Unworthy”

When you feel unworthy, nothing ever feels earned. This belief fuels overfunctioning, self-neglect, and guilt around rest, care,…

“Bad Things Are Going To Happen”

Always on edge. Always preparing for the worst. This belief doesn’t keep you safe — it keeps you…

“I Am Disgusting”

The “I Am Disgusting” belief forms when natural emotions or bodily functions were shamed, leading to identity-level avoidance,…

“I Am Awkward”

It’s not just about being quiet or shy. The belief “I Am Awkward” runs deeper — turning everyday…

“I Am Flawed”

“There’s something wrong with me.” That’s the voice behind this belief — quiet, persistent, and exhausting. It drives…

“I Am Not Whole”

The belief “I Am Not Whole” doesn’t always show up in words. It shows up in the constant…