
Validation
How the Skill Set That Revolutionized Psychology Will Transform Your Relationships, Increase Your Influence, and Change Your Life
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Narrated by:
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Caroline Fleck PhD
"Warning: this book will make you a better parent, partner, colleague, and friend." —Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential
Unlock the secret to true and lasting change.
We all spend a lot of energy trying to get people to listen to us, and despite our best efforts, we often fail. But what if the secret to influencing others was to demonstrate acceptance?
Enter validation—communication where one accepts and sees the validity in another person’s experience. Research on validation shows that it has profound effects, from improving relationships and de-escalating conflicts to increasing one’s influence and self-compassion. In this groundbreaking book, clinical psychologist Caroline Fleck explores how validation’s unique ability to demonstrate acceptance while fostering change makes it one of psychotherapy’s best-kept secrets. More importantly, she takes us step-by-step through eight skills we can use to communicate validation and experience its power firsthand.
Full of captivating stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and actionable takeaways, Validation reveals how the science of seeing and being seen is the key to inner and interpersonal transformation.
* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF featuring visuals from the book.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2025 Caroline Fleck (P)2025 Penguin AudioListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
“As an engineer, I appreciate when complex human dynamics can be broken down into practical, actionable steps. Dr. Fleck has done exactly that with validation—a skill that, when mastered, becomes nothing short of a superpower. It’s like gaining access to a cheat code for human interaction—one that actually works. Whether you’ve got more of an engineering mindset that appreciates clear frameworks or are simply looking to improve your relationships, Validation delivers results while keeping you thoroughly entertained along the way.”—Mark Rober, founder of CrunchLabs
“Dr. Caroline Fleck reminds us that being present, listening, suspending judgment, and really hearing someone is the greatest gift we can give or receive. There is such magic in validation, and Dr. Fleck shines a light on something that can enliven our sense of possibility and self.”—Dr. Ramani Durvasula, New York Times bestselling author of It’s Not You
“Profound, important, compassionate, Validation took my breath away. I can’t remember the last time I read a book as beautifully crafted and immediately useful. Author Caroline Fleck shares research-backed wisdom that can help you transform the most important relationships in your life—at work and at home.”—Amy C. Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership, Harvard Business School, and author of Right Kind of Wrong
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Validation for this book
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For almost 50 years, I always ask my patients in any encounter - “How can I help you?” and after reading this book; I will follow up by asking myself if the ask is— are my patients asking for validation or problem solving. The text is both useful and heartfelt.
A work of LOVE
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Funny and relevant
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A Must read
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The lack of Validation in our lives is one of the most modern problems we humans face, and Dr. Fleck approaches it with keen perception, exhaustive research, humor, vulnerability, and most importantly for we non-PhDs…relatability. This is a book for everyone, or anyone who is willing to explore how by embracing Validation skills you can improve every relationship in your life, increase your influence with others, and experience even the steepest challenges as opportunities for growth.
Filled with entertaining and sometimes heart-breaking anecdotes, Dr. Fleck illustrates how her methodologies, which anyone can engage, can give us tools to approach the conflicts and frustrations that can define our lives and make us feel alone, and instead improve both our perspectives and actions as well as those we’re closest to. Whether these conflicts happen at work, at study, with family, or in our intimate relationships, she provides logical and emotionally grounded approaches and practice exercises to make Validation part of your life and philosophy.
I’ve already recommended this book to others, and will certainly read it again. You’ll want to read more from this author after experiencing with her the complicated road she’s traveled to bring us this wisdom, and you’ll be inspired to take the first step.
A must read for all humans
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Great book. So informational and interesting.
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And relatable and practical
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Authentic - relatable
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Practical and Enlightening
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Clarity
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