People Who Say This Are the Worst Kind of Trauma Advocates

Don't do this if you want to help your friends (or your clients) heal.

Without a doubt, there are few people who annoy me more than trauma validators. What is a “trauma validator”? Well, in the simplest terms, they are well-meaning people who say really gross things that validate the horrible experiences that happen around them. It’s not really their fault. They’re trying to reframe painful experiences and shine a “new light” on them, but their good intentions go too far.

You know these people when you hear them say things like, “Your trauma is a gift,” or “Your trauma made you strong…kind…empathic…etc.”

Here’s why it’s a problem.