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Expert advice for coping and working through rejection trauma
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This article was co-authored by Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Criglow. Dr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples; while treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. As a prolific author, Dr. Brown has published four books; contributed to multiple other books; published 500+ articles in professional and popular magazines, journals, and peer-reviewed publications; and has recently published a number of creative and literary works. 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. He has also received a Master of Liberal Arts from Harvard University. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University.
There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 101,066 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
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QuestionHow do you deal with rejection from a sibling?
Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETSDr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples; while treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. As a prolific author, Dr. Brown has published four books; contributed to multiple other books; published 500+ articles in professional and popular magazines, journals, and peer-reviewed publications; and has recently published a number of creative and literary works. 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. He has also received a Master of Liberal Arts from Harvard University. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University.
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 30 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples; while treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. As a prolific author, Dr. Brown has published four books; contributed to multiple other books; published 500+ articles in professional and popular magazines, journals, and peer-reviewed publications; and has recently published a number of creative and literary works. 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. He has also received a Master of Liberal Arts from Harvard University. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University.
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 30 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples; while treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. As a prolific author, Dr. Brown has published four books; contributed to multiple other books; published 500+ articles in professional and popular magazines, journals, and peer-reviewed publications; and has recently published a number of creative and literary works. 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. He has also received a Master of Liberal Arts from Harvard University. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University.
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.
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References
- ↑ Cameron Gibson, R.C.C.. Registered Clinical Counsellor & Men's Mental Health Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/stress/how-to-begin-journaling-for-stress-relief
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/why-feeling-left-out-can-feel-so-painful-and-7-healthy-ways-to-cope
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/journal-prompts-to-heal-emotions
- ↑ 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
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/trial-triumph/202107/how-escape-the-cycle-negative-thinking
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/self-talk
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-savvy-psychologist/202001/broken-family-ties-and-how-cope-estrangement
- ↑ https://mhanational.org/taking-good-care-yourself
- ↑ 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://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9290-depression
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-support/201911/4-things-weve-learned-about-adult-child-parent-estrangement
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anxiety-in-high-achievers/202212/how-to-set-boundaries-with-yourself
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/10-way-to-build-and-preserve-better-boundaries
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/finding-a-therapist-who-can-help-you-heal.htm
About This Article
Clinical Psychologist
This article was co-authored by Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Criglow. Dr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples; while treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. As a prolific author, Dr. Brown has published four books; contributed to multiple other books; published 500+ articles in professional and popular magazines, journals, and peer-reviewed publications; and has recently published a number of creative and literary works. 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. He has also received a Master of Liberal Arts from Harvard University. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. This article has been viewed 101,066 times.
Co-authors: 13
Updated: June 9, 2024
Views: 101,066
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 101,066 times.
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