SUNITA OSBORN, PSYD, MA
Positive affirmations are a popular tool for battling negative self-talk, but they can be weaponized and misused. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes acknowledging negative thoughts and focusing on taking action in line with one's values rather than trying to suppress negative thoughts with positive affirmations. By intentionally using positive affirmations, and not weaponizing them, clients can find relief from negative self-talk and pursue their values instead.
Self-love is a challenge to define and develop, particularly for women. Taking unique contexts into consideration, clinicians can help women identify "shoulds" and empower them to choose what self-love means to them.
Sunita Osborn, PsyD, MA, is a writer and licensed psychologist who practices in Houston, Texas, and works with adults and couples. Dr. Osborn is a trauma-informed and attachment therapist with specialized training in couples therapy and reproductive mental health. She has a specialty and passion for working with women facing anxiety, depression, fertility issues, relationship struggles, and all the many challenges and unique experiences that come along with being a woman in the current day.