Download ArticleExpert advice for coping and working through rejection trauma
Download ArticleX
This article was co-authored by Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS and by How.com.vn staff writer, Madeleine Criglow. Dr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples, treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. He is also a prolific author having published three books and numerous articles in magazines, journals, and popular publications. Dr. Brown earned a BS in Theology and Religion with a minor in Marketing and an MS in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family from The University of Great Falls. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. He is also a candidate for a Masters of Liberal Arts through Harvard University. Dr. Brown is a Fellow of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and a Diplomate for the National Center for Crisis Management and continues to serve a number of psychological and scientific boards.
There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 83,398 times.
Family rejection may be one of the hardest things a person can go through. It's understandable to experience waves of hurt and grief, and these are feelings that don't go away overnight. If you're struggling with family rejection, know that you've made an important first step to heal by looking up ways to cope! There is a lot you can do to work through your feelings, accept what you can't change, and ultimately come out of the process stronger and more resilient than before.
This article is based on an interview with our clinical psychologist and published author, Asa Don Brown. Check out the full interview here.
Things You Should Know
- Take time to acknowledge and feel your emotions. Then, clear your head by journaling about your feelings or taking a walk.
- Repeat positive affirmations like, “I'm worthy of love and respect." Remind yourself that your family's rejection isn't related to your self-worth.
- Talk to close friends who you trust to feel comforted and supported. Or, meet with a therapist to process and work through your feelings.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Search
- QuestionHow do you deal with rejection from a sibling?
Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETSDr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples, treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. He is also a prolific author having published three books and numerous articles in magazines, journals, and popular publications. Dr. Brown earned a BS in Theology and Religion with a minor in Marketing and an MS in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family from The University of Great Falls. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. He is also a candidate for a Masters of Liberal Arts through Harvard University. Dr. Brown is a Fellow of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and a Diplomate for the National Center for Crisis Management and continues to serve a number of psychological and scientific boards.
Clinical PsychologistAllow yourself some time to process the rejection ad loss. Understanding the loss and making sense of it will help you to move forward. Try to stay connected with friends and loved ones who validate your personal self-worth, and remove any negative self-talk or conversations about your experience. Above all, always remember that you are worthy, acceptable, approvable, approachable, and lovable. - QuestionWhat does rejection do to a person?Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETSDr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples, treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. He is also a prolific author having published three books and numerous articles in magazines, journals, and popular publications. Dr. Brown earned a BS in Theology and Religion with a minor in Marketing and an MS in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family from The University of Great Falls. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. He is also a candidate for a Masters of Liberal Arts through Harvard University. Dr. Brown is a Fellow of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and a Diplomate for the National Center for Crisis Management and continues to serve a number of psychological and scientific boards.
Clinical PsychologistRejection can be an intolerable experience, leaving a tremendous impact on our perceptions and worldviews. For most people, rejection leaves a feeling of grief and loss—in fact, research has discovered that we go through the same stages of grief and loss as someone who has lost a close friend or loved one. - QuestionIs it okay to feel sad after rejection?Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETSDr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples, treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. He is also a prolific author having published three books and numerous articles in magazines, journals, and popular publications. Dr. Brown earned a BS in Theology and Religion with a minor in Marketing and an MS in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family from The University of Great Falls. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. He is also a candidate for a Masters of Liberal Arts through Harvard University. Dr. Brown is a Fellow of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and a Diplomate for the National Center for Crisis Management and continues to serve a number of psychological and scientific boards.
Clinical PsychologistAbsolutely—that's completely normal. What's most important for you to remember is that rejection isn't a decree of your worthiness and acceptability. Who you are is much greater than anyone's perceptions of you.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
SubmitAdvertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
References
- ↑ Cameron Gibson, R.C.C.. Registered Clinical Counsellor & Program Director. Expert Interview. 20 February 2021.
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/rejection.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/rejection.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-savvy-psychologist/202001/broken-family-ties-and-how-cope-estrangement
- ↑ Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 3 February 2022.
- ↑ Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 3 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/why-feeling-left-out-can-feel-so-painful-and-7-healthy-ways-to-cope
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/why-feeling-left-out-can-feel-so-painful-and-7-healthy-ways-to-cope
- ↑ Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 3 February 2022.
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/rejection.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/rejection.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-savvy-psychologist/202001/broken-family-ties-and-how-cope-estrangement
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep-the-foundation-for-healthy-habits/art-20270117
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-self/2020/06/self-care-mental-health
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/being-unlonely/201906/finding-connection-through-chosen-family
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/rejection.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-support/201911/4-things-weve-learned-about-adult-child-parent-estrangement
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-support/201911/4-things-weve-learned-about-adult-child-parent-estrangement
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-support/201911/4-things-weve-learned-about-adult-child-parent-estrangement
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/real-families/201910/coping-family-estrangement
About This Article
Clinical Psychologist
This article was co-authored by Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS and by How.com.vn staff writer, Madeleine Criglow. Dr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples, treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. He is also a prolific author having published three books and numerous articles in magazines, journals, and popular publications. Dr. Brown earned a BS in Theology and Religion with a minor in Marketing and an MS in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family from The University of Great Falls. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. He is also a candidate for a Masters of Liberal Arts through Harvard University. Dr. Brown is a Fellow of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and a Diplomate for the National Center for Crisis Management and continues to serve a number of psychological and scientific boards. This article has been viewed 83,398 times.
Co-authors: 13
Updated: May 10, 2023
Views: 83,398
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 83,398 times.
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
Advertisement
