“Speaking your truth” is a common buzz phrase right now. But what does that phrase really mean?
People regularly speak about “your truth”. My understanding of “your truth” often seems to convey, if you believe it, it must be true—”I wish”. On the other hand, some argue, “the facts don’t care about your feelings.” I want to take a minute to explain what “speaking your truth” means in the realm of counseling. Clients often believe they are telling the truth when in reality they are just regurgitating factual information. However, there is often a much deeper truth that is being avoided. For instance, I had a client who told me she had a great conversation with her husband. In that conversation she told him how she felt and the reason she felt it. I immediately thought, “that’s great”! The client contiuned to tell me some deep underlying reasons her husband made her feel the way she did. I then asked, “what did your husband say when you told him that?”. She stated, “well, I didn’t tell him that, I was too scared.”
This is a common theme counselors hear. People fall short of true intimacy with others because of the fear of what others might think or feel, so they avoid telling the real truth. The real truth is what is deep within us—the scary parts, the lonely parts. It doesn’t mean it is true, but it is a factual representation of our deep emotional world. This world carries within it deep feelings and needs that can only be understood and met if we are willing to courageously speak that emotional truth, truth that we like to keep hidden.
Once you begin to understand what that deep truth is, then it is time to work on developing the courage to express yourself more openly, coming out of the shadows and being known to the people around you. The freedom in being known is what displays our authentic selves and allows our relationships to flourish.
The therapist office is a good place to safely practice and learn how to appropriately use your voice and learn what it really means to “speak your truth”. We give you the tools and homework to go out into your life and courageously apply those skills.
ARE YOU SEEKING HELP WITH “SPEAKING YOUR TRUTH”?
Harvest Counseling & Wellness is a mental health counseling practice in Argyle, Texas. We provide therapy for couples, individuals, and families who are struggling with issues related to anxiety, depression, abuse, and grief due to damaged relationships. Our office is located near Denton, Highland Village, Flower Mound, Lantana, Roanoke, and Justin. If you are looking for a therapist in Denton or surrounding areas, contact us today for a complimentary phone consultation, 940-294-7061.
