Arizona Tribune - LA Times Cites Los Angeles Psychologist Dr. Yvonne Thomas in "Toxic Positivity" Article About the LA Wildfires

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2025 / The Los Angeles Times quoted Los Angeles psychologist Dr. Yvonne Thomas in their article about "brightsiding" and "toxic positivity." For more than 25 years, Dr. Thomas has helped her clients work through their challenges with the goal of building healthier and happier lives.

On January 10th, Dr. Thomas was quoted in the LA Times article entitled "The dark side of 'brightsiding': Why you should avoid toxic positivity in times of crisis."

In the article, Dr. Thomas said that, following the LA fires, phrases such as "Look on the bright side - at least you're safe" and "you should make a gratitude list" represent examples of "toxic positivity."

According to Dr. Thomas, toxic positivity is an act that "interferes in an artificial way with a person being able to genuinely be in touch and feel their feelings, even if those feelings are not so pleasant but appropriate to the given moment."

Dr. Thomas believes that this "tendency to put a ceaselessly positive spin on everything" can, to someone who is dealing with loss and trauma from the disaster, "feel dismissive and invalidate their pain."

Dr. Thomas feels that simple and sincere gestures can be the most meaningful. "People don't know how to say, 'I'm sorry for your loss.' It's one of the hardest things to do, but it can be the most helpful."

Per Dr. Thomas, if you don't know what to say, or feel like you can't say anything, just offer to listen and provide a comforting presence.

Through her trauma, loss, and grief counseling in Los Angeles as well as in the surrounding areas, Dr. Thomas has already begun to treat those who suffered loss as a result of the fires.

Dr. Thomas has three degrees in psychology and expertise in treating individuals as well as couples, and adults with their parents and/or adult siblings.

In addition to having decades of experience treating those dealing with loss and grief, she also helps people going through life transitions, along with anyone for whom life's challenges have become difficult.

Dr. Thomas offers flexible scheduling options and accepts many insurance plans. Teletherapy is available.

Currently, Dr. Thomas offers a discount to those who have been affected by the fires. Those interested should schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation through her site or by calling (310) 359-9450.

For more information about toxic positivity, working with a psychologist in Los Angeles, or to make a press inquiry, contact Dr. Yvonne Thomas https://www.yvonnethomasphd.com/

SOURCE: Yvonne Thomas, Ph.D.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

B.Torres--AT