Scott Smith LCSW
Tokyo Psychotherapy

If a parent is overwhelmed, depressed, or needy, the emotionally sensitive child quickly realizes that their own authentic feelings (like anger, sadness, or frustration) are unwelcome. To preserve that crucial bond with their needy parent, the child makes an unconscious trade, effectively saying: "I will sacrifice my real feelings if it means securing your love and approval."

Psychotherapy doesn't just aim to make the pain go away; it aims to promote real, fundamental, lasting changes in you.

Instead of immediately challenging negative thoughts or repeating positive mantras, what if you invited these thoughts and feelings to come out, into the light, so that you can get to know them?