Some thoughts on validation

Validation is an important skill for Recreational Therapists because it helps to build a therapeutic relationship. It is also good tool for helping to de-escalate a person, instill hope, and increase healing.

·         Validation means some of the following: Strengthen, reinforce, confirm, establish, support, and substantiate.

·         Examples of validation include: unbiased listening, reflective statements, nonverbal signs of listening, being open and curious, stating unspoken signs of emotions, focus on here and now, using a soft, clam tone of voice, open posture, eye contact, and even being silent while listening can be validating.

·         Validating has a lot to do with feelings. It is empathetic and connecting with another person, their emotion, and being with them in the here and now.

·         Types of invalidation include: interrogation, warnings, and threatening.

·         Invalidation consists of: missing the big point, using should and oughts, assuming, making generalizations, using oversimplification, and attempting to make things “ok.”