 At Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center in Pleasant Hill, California, we understand how profoundly childhood experiences shape emotional well-being and relationships. One of the most damaging experiences is chronic invalidation, where a child’s feelings, thoughts, or experiences are consistently dismissed or belittled. This pattern can have long-term consequences, affecting how adults perceive themselves and interact with others. What is Chronic Invalidation? Chronic invalidation occurs when a child’s emotions and experiences are consistently minimized or ignored. This can lead to emotional suppression, impacting emotional regulation and communication as adults. 12 Signs of Childhood Invalidation According to a post by Dr. M, a clinical psychologist, here are 12 signs that someone was chronically invalidated as a child:
How Chronic Invalidation Affects Adults These behaviors often stem from childhood experiences where emotional needs were not met. Adults who were chronically invalidated as children may struggle with self-acceptance, vulnerability, and forming healthy relationships. Healing from Childhood Invalidation At Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center, we believe that understanding the impact of chronic invalidation is crucial for healing. Our compassionate therapists help individuals learn to:
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of chronic invalidation, contact Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center in Pleasant Hill, CA, to learn how we can help. Learn More For additional insights on the signs and impact of chronic invalidation, visit Dr. M’s Instagram post. This topic was inspired by the article, “12 Signs Someone Was Chronically Invalidated As A Child And It’s Affecting Them Now” by Mina Rose Morales on YourTango. If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131.
To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page.  In a world where we often seek love, validation, and connection, the timeless lyric from The Beatles, “The love you take is equal to the love you make,” serves as a gentle reminder of the balance between giving and receiving love. At Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center, we believe that nurturing healthy relationships begins with understanding this simple yet powerful truth. The Reciprocity of Love and Connection Relationships thrive on reciprocity—giving and receiving affection, support, and understanding. When we invest love, empathy, and kindness into our relationships, we often find those same qualities reflected back to us. This concept is not only poetic but grounded in psychological principles. Studies in positive psychology indicate that altruistic actions and emotional generosity enhance personal well-being and strengthen relational bonds. For Individuals: Cultivating Self-Love and Positive Connections Many individuals come to therapy seeking better relationships, not realizing that the journey starts within. Practicing self-love and compassion allows us to give more freely to others. When we understand and fulfill our emotional needs, we are less likely to seek validation externally. This empowers us to engage in healthier, more balanced relationships. For Couples: Nurturing Mutual Respect and Affection Couples often face challenges when one partner feels unappreciated or emotionally distant. In therapy, we help couples explore how love languages and emotional bids shape their connection. By consciously giving love—through words of affirmation, acts of service, or physical affection—partners can create a cycle of positivity that fosters intimacy and trust. As The Beatles remind us, what we give is often what we receive. For Families: Teaching the Value of Emotional Reciprocity Healthy family dynamics are built on mutual respect, open communication, and emotional reciprocity. Children learn how to love and connect by observing how parents and siblings express affection and resolve conflicts. By modeling empathy and understanding, parents can create an environment where every member feels valued and supported, teaching the next generation the importance of giving and receiving love. Creating a Cycle of Love and Positivity Just as The Beatles beautifully articulated, love is reciprocal. The love you take is truly equal to the love you make. By consciously giving love, respect, and empathy, you can nurture more fulfilling and harmonious relationships. At Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center, we’re here to support you on your journey toward healthier connections. If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131.
To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page.  Valentine’s Day often brings grand gestures—flowers, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. While these moments can be meaningful, the strength of a relationship isn’t built on one special day; it’s nurtured through consistent, everyday efforts. Here are ways to cultivate a deeper connection with your partner year-round. Prioritize Daily Communication - Healthy relationships thrive on open and honest communication. Make it a habit to check in with your partner daily—ask about their day, share your thoughts, and listen actively. Even small moments of connection, like a morning “goodbye” hug or a short text during the day, reinforce emotional intimacy. Express Appreciation Regularly - Instead of waiting for special occasions to express love, make gratitude a daily practice. A simple “thank you” for making coffee or a heartfelt compliment can go a long way in making your partner feel valued. Verbal affirmations, handwritten notes, or small acts of kindness can strengthen your bond over time. Prioritize Quality Time - Life’s demands can make it easy to drift apart. Scheduling intentional time together—whether it’s a weekly date night, a morning walk, or cooking dinner as a team—helps maintain closeness. Quality time doesn’t have to be extravagant; what matters is being fully present with each other. Resolve Conflicts Constructively - Disagreements are natural in any relationship, but how you handle them matters. Practice active listening, avoid blame, and work toward solutions together. Addressing conflicts with respect and understanding fosters long-term trust and emotional security. Keep the Romance Alive - Romance isn’t just for Valentine’s Day—keep it alive through small, consistent gestures. Surprise your partner with a loving text, plan a spontaneous outing, or simply hold hands more often. Thoughtfulness in everyday moments deepens emotional and physical connection. Building a strong relationship takes effort, but the rewards are lasting. By prioritizing daily habits of love, respect, and appreciation, your relationship can flourish beyond Valentine’s Day and throughout the year. If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131.
To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page.  The Super Bowl is one of the most anticipated sporting events in the U.S., bringing excitement, celebration, and social gatherings. However, a long-circulated claim suggests that domestic violence spikes during and after the game. While it is essential to raise awareness about intimate partner violence, it is equally important to rely on accurate data rather than myths. Is the Super Bowl Linked to a Rise in Domestic Violence? The idea that the Super Bowl is the leading day for domestic violence originated in the 1990s but has since been debunked by researchers. Studies, including one by Card and Dahl (2011), show that domestic violence can increase after unexpected sports losses but is not uniquely tied to the Super Bowl. Other factors, such as alcohol consumption, gambling losses, and heightened emotions, can contribute to relationship conflicts during major sporting events. Understanding the Risk Factors While the Super Bowl itself is not a direct cause of domestic violence, certain stressors associated with game days can escalate tensions, including:
How to Stay Safe & Seek Support For those in unsafe situations, planning ahead can help. Consider:
Reference Card, D., & Dahl, G. B. (2011). Family violence and football: The effect of unexpected emotional cues on violent behavior. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 126(1), 103-143. Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center Can Help
If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131. To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page. |
RSS Feed
HoursHours by Appointment
|
Telephone408-320-5740
|
|
Social |