The Dangers of Toxic Positivity, Signs of Gaslighting + Tips on What NOT to Say to Someone Who is Grieving with Therapist Whitney Hawkins Goodman

We have all heard the phrase “look on the bright side” at least once in our lives. And yes, sometimes we do need those little reminders to be positive: “stop and smell the roses”, “things will get better” and the “remember, the glass is half full”. But what happens when these reminders become toxic? What happens when positivity shuts down, rather than opens up, the path to healing? In this podcast, I talk with licensed marriage and family therapist Whitney Hawkins Goodman about the dangers of toxic positivity, the relationship between toxic positivity and gaslighting, how to be truly empathetic, the power of learning how to listen and how to comfort someone who is grieving. Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/the-dangers-of-toxic-positivity-signs-of-gaslighting-tips-on-what-not-to-say-to-someone-who-is-grieving-with-therapist-whitney-hawkins-goodman For more info on Whitney visit her website: www.theccc.miami Her online store: https://sitwithwhit.mykajabi.com/store Whitney's Instagram: @sitwithwhit Whitney's Facebook: @sitwithwhitney **Special offers from this episode's sponsor: SEED (the best company for a healthy gut!) : Visit https://seed.com and use code MENTALMESS for 15% off your first month of the Daily Synbiotic Podcast Highlights 1:42 Why Whitney thinks it is important to talk about our emotions and mental health 2:40 What is toxic positivity? 13:30 How can you train yourself to become more aware of your intentions? 14:55 What is the difference between shame and guilt, and what do they have to do with toxic positivity? 17:31 What is gaslighting? 19:11 Gaslighting and racism 21:34 How to help someone who is grieving Additional resources: -Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips and strategies, exclusive offers and more! Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747 (*Only available for U.S numbers at this time) -Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just look for Switch on Your Brain in the App Store or Google Play or visit: https://theswitch.app -Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources, tips, and tools to help you improve and heal your mental health! Follow me on social media for daily mental self-care tips! -Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/ -Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf -Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf -Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleaf If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.