Many people use “should” statements like “I should be more productive” or “I should be doing better,” hoping they’ll create motivation. Instead, they often lead to guilt, shame, and self-criticism when expect

Validation helps create emotional safety by making others feel, “Your experience makes sense.”

This doesn’t mean approving of behaviour or removing accountability. Instead, it helps lower defensiveness so meaningful conversations c

When someone is upset, our instinct is often to explain, fix, or correct the situation quickly.

Validation slows that process down. It focuses first on helping the other person feel understood before moving toward solutions.

When people feel heard,

Self-validation means acknowledging your own emotional experience without immediately judging or dismissing it.

Statements like, “It makes sense that this feels difficult right now,” can reduce shame and create space for calmer, more tho

Validation helps people feel seen and understood, which can lower defensiveness and make conversations more open.

Although it doesn't eliminate conflict altogether, it can soften it just enough so that problem-solving becomes possible.

In our newes

Anger “management" is a common and interesting phrase. There is no other emotion described that way.

If someone told you they were going to their sadness management class, you’d probably find it odd. Joy management? Even stranger.

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS?

We’re here to help.

Ready to book, but have a few clarifying questions?

(778) 233-5534

hello@watermarkcounselling.ca

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS?

We’re here to help.

Ready to book, but have a few clarifying questions?

(778) 233-5534

hello@watermarkcounselling.ca

VERIFIED BY

VERIFIED LOGOS

Watermark Counselling Co.

Experienced and empathic therapists for high-performing individuals in Vancouver, BC. Specializing in the areas of anxiety, stress management, and relationships.

We are grateful to live, work, and play on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples. We give thanks to the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

1055 W. Hastings Street, Suite 300 (3rd Floor)
Vancouver, BC V6E 2E9

@watermarkcounselling

/watermarkcounsellingco

hello@watermarkcounselling.ca

(778) 233-5534

BOOK FREE CONSULTATION

LINKS

OUR COUNSELLORS

HOME‍ ‍ABOUT‍ ‍MEET THE TEAM‍ ‍SERVICES‍ ‍STARTING THERAPY‍ ‍BLOG‍ ‍CONTACT‍ ‍BOOK A CONSULT

MARK HOLLAND, RCC ALISON HOLLAND, RSW SKY LEE, RSW NATASHA CHALKE, RCC
LUCIA ARREAGA, RCC ELY WILSON, RSW REDUCED RATE COUNSELLING

LINKS

HOME
ABOUT
MEET THE TEAM
SERVICES
STARTING THERAPY
BLOG
CONTACT
BOOK A CONSULT

OUR COUNSELLORS

MARK HOLLAND, RCC ALISON HOLLAND, RSW
SKY LEE, RSW
NATASHA CHALKE, RCC
LUCIA ARREAGA, RCC
ELY WILSON, RSW REDUCED RATE COUNSELLING