Video: How Traumatic Invalidation Creates Shame and Negative Core Beliefs
Traumatic invalidation occurs when we internalize unhealthy, shameful views about our identity based on how we were treated as children.
In my clinical practice at Let The Light In Therapy, I help my clients with Complex PTSD understand how they have internalized shame. Traumatic invalidation occurs when we internalize negative beliefs about ourselves based on how we were treated in childhood. If we received frequent criticism, for example, we can develop the belief that we deserve to feel badly about ourselves. If our parents were too busy to pay attention to us when we needed it, we may internalize that our needs do not matter.
A child with internalized shame will grow up into an adult that may experience intense feelings of shame if they are treated in a similarly shaming way as an adult. Even a small negative glance from a co-worker could lead an individual to suddenly feel the shame feelings from childhood. If this individual doesn't understand how traumatic invalidation is involved, they can feel even more shame about why they have what seem like disproportionate reactions that could involve a desire to abuse substances, self-harm, or isolate.
