We often think speaking our truth is the highest form of authenticity—but what happens when our need to be right drowns out someone else’s truth? I've learned that real connection doesn’t come from dominating the conversation, but from making space for it. What if we’re holding so tightly to our perspective that we miss the chance to grow, to shift, or even to understand? In this reflection, I explore the risks we take when we speak—and the risks we take when we stay silent. And how, somewhere in the middle, we might just find a more honest way to relate to one another.
Read MoreEmbracing the Role of a Truth Teller: The Journey of Authenticity in Art Therapy and Counseling
In my work as an art therapist and counselor, I often encounter the unspoken truths that inhabit a room, layered with emotions and experiences. These truths don’t simply disappear when we lack a safe space to express them; instead, they linger, potentially manifesting as misunderstandings or emotional turmoil. When individuals attempt to share their truths in contexts without calibration—where mutual understanding is absent—they risk being validated in ways that reinforce negative narratives or false realities. It’s essential for listeners to remain open and non-judgmental, sitting with the discomfort that can arise, while also being ready to engage in a compassionate exchange that honors each person’s unique journey.
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