Reflect
Through reflection, build self-awareness. Clinicians must be aware of their own potential stigmatizing beliefs and shame. Without the right tools, clinicians have the potential to cause unintentional harm and perpetuate abortion stigma in the therapy room. Below are some guided reflections to help one tap into building their self-awareness.
Clinicians are sometimes the only, or one of the honorary few that individuals may open up to about their abortion experience. It is a privilege and honor to be entrusted with a client’s vulnerability, and clinicians must treat their abortion experience with the sacred respect it deserves.
Clinicians that have no experience with abortion stigma may feel intimidated or nervous in helping clients struggling with internalized abortion stigma’s shameful effects.
Clinicians can tap into the understand and empathy of the universal experience of shame.
Shame is a universal feeling that is part of the human experience; yet the paradox of shame is that it can be isolating and lonely.
We share in common what makes us feel the most apart.
- Brené Brown
Reflection 1
Reflection Questions on Embracing the Flow of Feelings: Accepting All Emotions
Without judgment, what feelings came up for you?
Were there any feelings that were especially activating?
Where did you feel these feelings in your body?
What are the sensations in your body? It can be anything from temperature to tingling and more.
Accepting all emotions starts with noticing without judgment. Thank you for taking this opportunity to practice acceptance and compassion.
Reflection 2
Reflection Questions on Abortion: Finding Compassion and Understanding
Without judgment, what feelings came up for you?
Were there any feelings that were especially activating?
Where did you feel these feelings in your body?
What are the sensations in your body?
What are the associations you had with the word, abortion?
Being open is a pathway to cultivate compassion. Thank you for taking time to practice empathy.
Reflection 3
Reflection Questions on Shame: Embracing Self-Compassion and Healing
Where did you feel the shame in your body?
What are the sensations in your body? It can be anything from temperature to tingling and more.
Practicing self-compassion helps us let go of the heavy weight of shame. Thank you for taking this opportunity to move towards healing.
Make it stand out.
Make it stand out.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Clinicians that have no experience with abortion stigma may feel intimidated or nervous in helping clients struggling with internalized abortion stigma’s shameful effects.
However, clinicians can tap into the understanding and empathy of the universal experience of shame.
Make it stand out.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.