Learn how to say 'No' and set healthy boundaries | Dr. Henry Cloud

Developing the ability to say "No" is influenced by various factors throughout our lives, from childhood to adulthood. Some struggle to say it, while others say it too readily. What many people don't realize is that saying "No" is similar to a muscle in our bodies: it can be weakened, neglected, or even damaged, but it can also be strengthened and restored through proper care. Dr. Henry Cloud offers guidance on assessing the health of your "No" muscle and ways to keep it strong and in good shape.

[jonkassaw]

Dear Dr. Cloud, I want to tell you how powerful your books have been. I am an LPCC therapist & when I was in therapy over 24 years ago, my therapist had me read Safe People. When I worked in Texas near Corpus Christi in an RTC for 9.5 years with teenagers, I used the book safe people & Boundaries book with my boys & some girls in group & it was so successful that the state of Texas wanted to see my clinical program for the teens & they loved your books as well! They recommended it to every RTC in the state because our relapse rates tanked from over 90% to less than 20%. I use your materials with all my clients & even an Atheist read it and said it was the best relationship book he ever read. God bless you & Mr. Townsend for your work. I believe Gid used your books to bring many teens to Christ, witnessed it myself, not me pushing religion but just having a relationship with my teens.

[taravatra]

My therapist introduced the Boundaries book to me. This book is my bible. Thanks for this masterpiece.

[Redbudwoods]

Love the analogy with the TKR surgery, and the scripture study!
Much gratitude for your insight!

[nazila]

Amazing analogy and great lesson . Much appreciated Dr Cloud!

[Sally-ejxp]

“Confront the person or you’re sharing in their guilt” Don’t be an enabler! Law’s of physics.

[kayspitzner]

I listened to these life lessons all through Covid...the balance between " hurting and helping" with a mentally ill son is still a struggle...their part or ability at 45 years old....

[barbaramoran]

PEOPLE LABLED AS MENTAL PATIENTS ARENT ALLOWED TO HAVE BOUNDARIES .I grew up in mental hospital was there for years age 10 until almost 17 .Lots of shaming because I wasn’t able to act normal .When I was 40 I got diagnosed with Kanner autism and it was like being forgiven .AND I got the right to say no to being in places where there was too much noise
None of the treatment I got when young helped .It made me worse .I had much worse anxiety and sensory issues after having had meds .

[Ruby-wise]

So, so true…mine seems to have atrophied! Gotta put some weight on it…and push and build it back up! TY, , Doc!

[md_al_mamun]

Good speaking, I appreciate the insights.

[robertellis]

Have been working with Goodwill for some 6 years one my main duties is to say no to people donate trash can't take donations that go straight into the trash .. Goodwill is unable to resale trash .. feelings I am being a nice guy by not saying no

[barbaramoran]

At least your pain was temporary and later your knees were better .You WOULDNT feel that way had you been able to walk before but later hurt so bad permanently that you needed a wheelchair because you couldn’t walk at all

[taravatra]

My therapist introduced the Boundaries book to me. This book is my bible. Thanks for this masterpiece.