Should Statements

Artwork Interpretation

The figure in this image is buried beneath blocks labeled “SHOULD,” each one representing an internalized demand. Despite being weighed down, the figure continues to carry more, illustrating how moral imperatives, perfectionism, and self-judgment accumulate and overwhelm. The visual metaphor highlights how oppressive these beliefs become when taken as rigid truths rather than examined values.

Resistance Pattern

This client often holds themselves—and others—to impossible standards. “Should” statements create internal tension and guilt when unmet, leading to frustration, shame, or conflict. These beliefs are usually inherited or internalized from culture, family, or early messaging, and are rarely examined consciously.

Resistance Thought

“I should always be productive.”
“They should have known better.”
“I shouldn’t feel this way.”

Antidotes

• Compassion-Focused Therapy
• Values Clarification
• Motivational Interviewing
• Inner Child Work

Cultural Considerations

Many cultural traditions reinforce strong behavioral “shoulds” tied to duty, gender roles, or spiritual beliefs. Therapists should avoid pathologizing these outright and instead explore whether the client feels empowered by their beliefs—or burdened by them. Creating space for reflection allows clients to distinguish chosen values from inherited scripts.