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Understanding Consent: Why It Matters and How to Set Boundaries

Consent is a word we hear a lot, but what does it really mean? At its core, consent is about feeling safe and having control over your own body and choices. It means being able to say what feels right for you and what doesn’t.


Learning about consent is important because it helps us feel respected and secure. It also teaches us how to say no and protect ourselves in ways that honour our feelings and boundaries.


✨If you’re finding it hard to understand or set these boundaries, Nada Johnson Consulting & Counselling Services is here to help. Nada offers a caring and supportive space where you can explore these feelings at your own pace and start building trust in yourself again.✨


What Does Consent Mean?


Consent means agreeing to something freely and clearly. It’s not just a one-time “yes” or “no,” but an ongoing feeling that both people are okay with what’s happening.


Sometimes people think that if you don’t say “no,” it means “yes,” but that’s not true. It’s important that everyone feels comfortable and can speak up at any time.


And you don’t have to explain or justify your feelings. If you don’t want to do something, it’s okay to say no, plain and simple.

Why Is Consent Important?


When consent isn’t clear, things can get confusing and sometimes painful. If your boundaries aren’t respected, you might be left feeling unsure, anxious, or even unsafe.


For those who’ve experienced harm, these moments can bring up feelings of self-doubt or make it hard to trust your instincts. You might wonder if you're overreacting or feel like your voice doesn’t matter.


That’s why talking about consent is so important. It helps rebuild a sense of control, safety, and trust both with others and within yourself.

How Can You Set Boundaries?


Setting boundaries is a way of taking care of yourself. It means being clear about what feels okay to you and what doesn’t.

  • According to Lancer (2022), setting and maintaining healthy boundaries involves recognizing your needs and asserting them clearly. Healthy boundaries help protect your mental and emotional well-being and keep you from feeling overwhelmed or worn out


Here are some simple ways to start setting boundaries:


  • Listen to how you feel:

    • If something feels uncomfortable or wrong, trust that feeling.


  • Say what you mean:

    • You don’t need fancy word just saying “I’m not ready” or “Please stop” is enough.


  • Remember it’s okay to change your mind:

    • You can say yes one day and no the next. That’s perfectly okay.


  • Practice a little bit at a time:

    • Setting boundaries can feel scary at first, but it gets easier with time.


  • Talk with people you trust:

    • Sharing your feelings with friends or someone who understands can help you feel less alone.

You Deserve to Be Respected


Sometimes it’s hard to say no or set limits, especially if you’ve been hurt before. You might worry about upsetting someone or feeling guilty. But your feelings matter. You deserve to feel safe and respected in every relationship.


Healing Takes Time - It’s okay if you’re not sure where to start or if it feels slow. Healing and learning to set boundaries happen one step at a time. And you don’t have to do it alone.

At Nada Johnson Consulting & Counselling Services, Nada understands that learning about consent and boundaries can be hard. She is here to support you as you take steps to trust yourself again and feel stronger.


🌿If you want to talk more about consent, boundaries, or healing, Nada is here to listen and support you. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and heard.🌿


Contact her now for support! 💫 





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Sources

Lancer, D. (2022, October 26). 5 steps to creating and maintaining healthy boundaries. Psychology Today.https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-addiction-connection/202210/5-steps-to-creating-and-maintaining-healthy-boundaries

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