When Normalisation Goes Wrong

Normalisation plays a huge role in ACT. It's useful for validating clients’ struggles and difficulties, fostering self-acceptance and self-compassion, and nurturing a sense of commonality with others. However, if it comes across as dismissive or trivialising, or is perceived as an attack on the client’s identity, it will trigger negative reactions. 

This practical guide helps you to use normalisation wisely and avoid potential pitfalls.

Use ACT-style normalisation to help your clients:

• Understand why they think, feel and behave the way they do

• Foster self-acceptance and self-compassion

• Develop a sense of belonging and commonality with others