Validation is the process of helping a client to give themselves permission to feel how they feel. It shows the client that their feelings “make sense” under the circumstances. This is not agreeing with the client or saying that their feelings are rational, but rather saying that they’re allowed to have their feelings exactly as they are. Validation is a powerful way to help clients regulate and process difficult emotions.
In this example, the client is trying to process feelings about her sister. The unskillful therapist is invalidating the client by suggesting her feelings aren’t appropriate. The skillful therapist validates the client by helping her see that her feelings make sense given her situation.