Understanding Internalized Beliefs and Their Impact on Healing

Internalized beliefs, shaped by family, society, and culture, can create a negative internal dialogue that affects our mental and emotional well-being. In this article, we’ll explore how these beliefs, particularly those rooted in family dynamics, contribute to feelings of guilt that can inhibit our healing process.

What are internalized beliefs?

Internalized beliefs are ideas, opinions, or feelings that are absorbed or accepted and become part of a person’s character. (Google’s definition)

Internalized beliefs are deeply ingrained convictions that often originate from external sources such as family, cultural norms, or societal expectations. These beliefs can become a negative inner dialogue that affects how we perceive ourselves and our worth.

The following are a few phrases we often say that reflect internalized guilt

· “I’m too broken to heal.”

· “I’m too far gone to be better.”

· “I don’t deserve to feel better.”

· “I can’t forgive myself for ____.”

· “I don’t want to burden anyone with my problems.”