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Writer's pictureRebecca Stone, LMHC

Emotional Safety


When things are going well, there are typically satisfactory elements in place which help us feel emotionally safe. What types of things help you feel emotionally safe? Here are some examples (in no particular order):

  • Safe environment/home/workplace

  • Stability

  • Structure

  • Routine

  • Predictability/a sense of knowing

  • Trust for self and others

  • Genuineness/authenticity of self or others

  • Values-based living/choices/actions

  • Non-judgmental support system

  • Respect for self and others/from others

  • Healthy, reciprocal relationships

  • Belief in self, such as your ability to figure things out/make decisions/learn from mistakes

  • Self-esteem and/or self-confidence

  • Belongingness

  • Healthy boundaries

  • Communicating rather than engaging in conflict/effectively managing conflict

  • Being heard and understood

  • Self-awareness and reflection

  • Faith/prayer

  • Loving and feeling loved

When one or more emotional safety needs are not being reasonably met, are not being actively managed with coping skills, healthy self-talk, etc., or are not in the process of change, things can become problematic. The more significant the breach of emotional safety, the more difficult it can be to regain a sense of emotional safety.


We are responsible for helping to support our own emotional safety; we cannot solely rely on external factors to help us feel safe. Reflecting on what we need to feel emotionally safe and taking steps to support our sense of emotional safety can be key in reducing the imbalances or overwhelm. In many cases, improvements can be made by challenging unhelpful thoughts and making baby-steps toward necessary changes.


Food for thought. Keep reflecting on this: What do you need to feel emotionally safe?

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