Balancing Optimism and Toxic Positivity in Counseling
Optimism acknowledges what is without judgment. It acknowledges unpleasantness and it has hope, or helps people have hope, that things will get better. Toxic positivity just starts at the surface.
Imagine being told to 'just stay positive' when everything feels like it's falling apart. In this episode of the 'Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes', Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes dives into the fine line between healthy optimism and harmful toxic positivity. While a positive outlook can help build resilience, pretending everything is perfect can actually make things worse. Dr. Snipes breaks down how ignoring negative emotions can stunt emotional growth and harm mental health.
She offers practical tips and journaling prompts to help listeners find a balance, embracing both the good and the bad in their journey to wellness. Whether you're a counselor or someone seeking personal growth, this episode provides valuable insights on managing challenging thoughts and feelings.