“Is it okay to feel this way?” is a question I hear in many forms during therapy sessions. It’s one of the most human things we do—look to others to help us make sense of our internal world. Seeking validation isn’t inherently a problem. In fact, it’s a natural part of being in relationships. But when the need for validation becomes constant, or when our self-worth depends entirely on others’ responses, it can become a source of emotional suffering. Let’s talk about what healthy validation looks like, when it can become a problem, and how to build a more grounded sense of self.…
