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Dr Julie Smith@drjulieTikTok

👀 Did you spot the shift? 👉 It’s easy to miss it at first, because it is so gradual …more

original sound — @drjulie

what it claims

To dissipate a painful emotion, one must accept it, welcome it, and let it pass through without attempting to block or immediately numb it.

holds up

This advice aligns closely with the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness.

noli's read

This advice aligns closely with the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness. Meta-analyses (e.g., Hofman et al., 2010 on cognitive behavioral therapy; Hayes et al., 2006 on ACT) show that emotional acceptance is more effective for long-term regulation than experiential avoidance, which is often correlated with an increase in psychological distress. The idea that an emotion is a passing state ('the flow') rather than a fixed identity is a concept validated by affective neuroscience, suggesting that detached observation reduces amygdala activation. It is important to note that this process is not an instantaneous magic solution, but a management strategy. The analysis is therefore scientifically very sound, although the notion of welcoming a very intense emotion may sometimes require professional guidance to ensure it is not overwhelming. In short, the message avoids miraculous promises to focus on a robust emotional skill.

the sources

  1. 1Frattaroli J. 2006
  2. 2Choi H, et al. 2025

Claimed by Dr Julie Smith. Noli grades the claim, never the person.

Decoded by Noli · July 18, 2026 · the original post

What the graded evidence says

Evidence
C
Effect
expressive writing on health/psychological outcomes (meta-analysis of RCTs); gratitude interventions on well-being (meta-analysis) — expressive writing average r = 0.075 (small but significant); gratitude interventions show small positive effects on well-being
Measured on
adults across many settings (mostly non-clinical)

What’s uncertain

The average benefit is small and varies widely between people; journaling is a supportive habit, not a substitute for care when anxiety or low mood is significant.

Dr Julie Smith in the Register111 claims graded · solidity 99/100See their record →

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