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Learn DBT Skills In A Group
Weekly sessions are available. Grouport offers therapist-led dialectical behavior therapy skills groups online. The first 12 weeks covers fundamental DBT skills.
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While the pursuit of positivity and happiness is a universal goal, an excessive or forced focus on positivity can result in a phenomenon known as 'toxic positivity.' This term refers to the overgeneralization of a happy, optimistic state, which results in the denial, minimization, and invalidation of authentic human emotional experience. This article explores the nature of toxic positivity, its psychological impacts, and strategies to counteract its effects.
Toxic positivity stems from the idea that no matter how dire or difficult a situation is, people should maintain a positive mindset. It's a 'good vibes only' approach to life, where negative emotions are seen as signs of weakness. While it's beneficial to have an optimistic outlook on life, toxic positivity can stifle a range of human emotions and lead to the feeling that one is not allowed to experience life's ups and downs fully.
Expressions of toxic positivity can be subtle and may often be confused with words of encouragement or support. For example, phrases like "just be positive," "everything happens for a reason," or "look on the bright side" can, unknowingly, belittle genuine feelings of distress, creating a harmful emotional environment.
Toxic positivity can lead to a multitude of adverse psychological effects. By invalidating true emotions, it can lead to feelings of guilt for experiencing and expressing anything less than positivity. This suppression of emotions can increase stress, anxiety, and depression.
Moreover, toxic positivity discourages open communication about emotional well-being. This lack of genuine emotional expression can harm relationships and create a pervasive sense of isolation and loneliness.
Encourage acceptance of all emotions, both positive and negative. All feelings are valid and provide valuable information about our experiences and needs. By acknowledging and expressing these emotions, we can navigate life's challenges more authentically.
Active listening involves fully focusing, understanding, responding, and then remembering what is being said. It's a useful skill when communicating with someone expressing their feelings. Rather than jumping to a positive spin on their emotions, simply listen, empathize, and validate their experiences.
Strive for emotional balance. It's essential to remain positive and optimistic, but it's equally important to acknowledge negative feelings and experiences. Balance provides the emotional flexibility needed to navigate life's highs and lows.
If toxic positivity is causing distress or emotional discomfort, consider seeking help from mental health professionals. Therapists can provide techniques and strategies to handle overwhelming positivity pressure and cultivate a healthier emotional balance.
While maintaining a positive outlook is generally beneficial, it's crucial to recognize and address the potential harm caused by toxic positivity. By embracing all emotions, practicing active listening, seeking balance, and reaching out to professionals when necessary, we can foster a more authentic and supportive emotional environment for ourselves and others.
Grouport Therapy provides online group therapy for anger management, anxiety, borderline personality, chronic illness, depression, dialectical behavior therapy, grief and loss, obsessive compulsive disorder, relationship issues and trauma and PTSD. Our licensed therapist leads weekly group sessions conducted remotely in the comfort of members' homes. According to participant feedback, 70% experienced significant improvements within 8 weeks.
You don't have to face these challenges alone. Join our community and work together towards a brighter future. Sign up for one of our courses today and begin your journey towards meaningful, lasting change and renewed hope.
Due to licensing restrictions, our online group therapy sessions are for Florida, New York, and New Jersey residents. If you are not a resident of either state, consider our dialectical behavior therapy skills group. It is a therapist-instructor-led online group that will teach you strategic new skills to replace behaviors and emotions causing friction in your daily life and relationships. It is excellent for interpersonal connections and building social skills concerning relationship issues.
We offer online group therapy, & each group has a personalized program of guidance, support, skills, and advice developed by our therapists.
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