Exploring Identity In Therapy
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
This quote by Aristotle illustrates the importance of having a strong sense of self and a connection to one’s values, beliefs, and roles in the world. June is pride month, a time for celebrating identity exploration, and there are a multitude of therapeutic modalities and techniques that can support increased self-awareness, integrated parts of self, curiosity, and compassion.
Identity
Identity is not only how we think of ourselves but also how we conceptualize all of the social, cultural, religious, ethnic, sexual, gender, socioeconomic, and professional factors that make us unique. Identity exploration might revolve around the question of asking about the parts of self that make up a person’s self-concept, self-image, self-worth, and self-esteem as well as how they can be integrated into a holistic view of self. During Pride Month, people may be more inclined to explore their sexuality and gender identity through LGBTQ+ resources, media representation, therapy, community support, and other learning tools.
Therapy
Therapy has a plethora of benefits including learning healthy coping mechanisms, strengthening relationships and communication skills, cultivating values-based change in one’s life, and exploring more about oneself through self-discovery. The self-discovery process involves learning more about yourself through a lens of curiosity and self-compassion rather than judgement. People might choose to explore their feelings, needs, goals, and intersectional identities in counseling sessions.
Therapeutic Modalities
Therapists, social workers, and school counselors might implement a myriad of therapeutic modalities in order to support their clients in self-discovery and identity exploration. Internal Family Systems examines the sub-personalities that comprise the larger “Self” and their function or purpose. For example, some parts may have developed in order to protect against painful experiences of vulnerable emotions while other parts may hold intense trauma and be pushed outside of the individual’s conscious awareness. Making sense of these various parts and inner conflicts can lead to increased self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-acceptance. In Gestalt therapy, identity is viewed as a dynamic, ever-changing process versus a fixed entity. Gestalt therapy practices encourage individuals to integrate their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors into a cohesive whole rather than disconnected fragments. Relational cultural therapy, on the other hand, views identity as being primarily shaped by relationships and social contact, highlighting the inherent connection between individuals and the environments in which they live. Our identities are heavily influenced by the cultures, systems, and roles we are born into, and how we navigate and accept parts of who we are has a prominent impact on our relationships and overall wellbeing.
Through therapeutic facilitation, regardless of modality, individuals can clarify the parts they want to honor as well as the parts that no longer serve them. If you or someone you know wants to more deeply explore aspects of identity, consider reaching out to Embrace Therapy for a consultation, intake, or additional mental health resources and support.
