Positive affirmations are uplifting phrases or statements used to challenge negative or unhelpful thoughts.
Practicing positive affirmations can be simple (all one needs to do is pick a phrase and repeat!) and extraordinarily challenging (when we are struggling it can feel impossible to identify affirmations which would help).
Enter Catherine Njoroge, Lead Counselor for the Upili Program:
During one of the Upili group therapy sessions with the Students with Disabilities it became clear the majority struggle with self-love and acceptance. A direct result of negative feedback they receive from the world regarding how they look, many of Upili group members shared they avoid the mirror to avoid seeing reflected back to them what the world tells them they are: worthless.
Njoroge, leaning heavily upon her lived experience as a Woman with a Disability and her counseling training, immediately knew what to do.
After listening to the students share their fears and experiences I knew the answer was employing what I refer to as Mirror Affirmation Therapy. The essence of this approach is creating a regular practice of affirming worth and value in front of a mirror and, as a result, eventually internalizing the uplifting beliefs and statements. This repetitive practice helps counter negative self-talk and gradually builds a more positive self-image.
Njoroge also knew she needed to start slowly with the Upili group as many have steadfastly avoided the mirror for years. She plans to introduce Mirror Affirmation Therapy utilizing a large wall mirror at SA Joytown Secondary School, the home of Upili’s Pilot Program, offering affirmations in the form of stickers surrounding the mirror for the students to use util they think of their own.
From telling themselves they are STRONG to reminding themselves they are unique and uniqueness is a BEAUTIFUL thing I hope the students begin to create a different picture of themselves. I hope they are able to shed the words and negativity they have heard throughout their lives regarding their disabilities and see the power and beauty I already see in them.
