We all have traits and behaviours that have fallen into the background and are perhaps now classified as automatic behaviours, often flying under the radar or going unnoticed. Self-awareness has received a lot of attention since Eastern philosophies have entered the mainstream West, and for good reason.
Self-awareness can tell us a lot about how we’re feeling, our behaviours, and our traits in certain situations. If we take a moment to notice, we can learn a lot about ourselves and our own experiences. Without it, comes a lack of understanding of our emotions, which leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms or avoidance of certain, everyday scenarios. Avoidance can also lead to an increase in anxiety and stress, and may also result in a lack of understanding of those around us, a sense of disconnection in relationships, and a misalignment of our core values with priorities.
This is why self-awareness is important, not only in counselling but in our jobs, relationships and the challenges we face daily. This allows other people to be heard and understood. In a state of self-awareness, we embrace honesty and knowledge, avoiding claims of knowing everything. We seek feedback and respond to others empathetically.
Internal and External Self Awareness
There are two types of self-awareness: internal and external.
Internal Self-Awareness
Internal self-awareness is when we are mindful of what’s going on inside of us. We can tune into our thoughts, feelings, and how we perceive ourselves. Internal self-awareness is also related to how well we know our strengths, weaknesses, core values, priorities, passions and desires.
External Self-Awareness
External self-awareness has to do with how other people view us. Including how people see our strengths, weaknesses, values, passions, and aspirations. When a person has high self-awareness they are better at seeing the perspective of others and are usually said to have higher levels of empathy.
Luckily, developing the skill of recognizing our emotions, thoughts, and feelings, as well as those of others, can be developed over time and serves as the initial step in our journey of personal growth.
So How Can You Begin to Acknowledge and Recognize Yourself Becoming More Self-Aware?
The key to self-awareness is the ability to know what you’re feeling so that you can begin to gain more insight into your inner workings and external tendencies.
Check in with yourself a few times daily. Specifically, notice your mood.
How are you behaving in response to this mood? What are the narratives playing in your mind? Is there a sensation that you notice in your body?
There are several opportunities for you to practice self-awareness such as asking yourself hard questions, being honest with yourself, and seeking help when you’re unable to solve issues on your own.
Use this information as a guide to help you mindfully meet yourself with what’s needed at the moment.
It's important to note that the process of becoming more self-aware can be challenging for some, often accompanied by feelings of discomfort. Noticing areas that require improvement might not always be welcomed. However, a lack of understanding about how to enhance self-awareness can also leave some feeling frustrated.
Why Is Self-Awareness Important in Counselling?
When you prioritize self-awareness in therapy, you can attain a heightened level of self-awareness, leading to more controlled actions. Common thoughts and behaviours include:
Considering how you come across - how you speak, what you say and how your reactions sound to others.
Not pretending to know everything and acknowledging that you are not an expert in all areas.
Seeking honest feedback from others and not getting defensive when honest feedback is given to you.
Maintaining a growth mindset. Knowing that mistakes are opportunities to grow.
Knowing and staying true to yourself, your passions, priorities and core values.
Controlling your emotions and instead of reacting to situations, responding calmly.
Understanding where you can’t see yourself clearly.
Self-awareness can also help you become more esteemed, more creative, and better problem solvers, as well as help you foster healthy and authentic relationships. This includes having more empathy towards others and the ability to be more objective in your own life. This is important because, with self-awareness, you develop:
More Self-Control
More self-control means you can separate yourself from your emotions and make decisions from a place that is in line with your values and true self.
Increased Ability to Change Habits
By analyzing your own emotions you will be able to acknowledge the why behind your actions. The driving emotions behind why we behave in certain ways or continue to repeat the same patterns. Once we know this we can change our behaviours.
Higher Self-Esteem
Higher self-awareness is the foundation for higher self-esteem. When you know yourself, your strengths and your weaknesses, you never sell yourself short. You adopt a mindset that gives room for setbacks, understanding that they are part of the growing process, but never allowing them to put a block in your road to success.
Better Overall Perspective
When you can analyze situations objectively, you can see multiple sides of a problem, enhancing your ability to make better decisions and react less to your own emotions. This allows for a wider perspective that is more open to suggestions and feedback.
Self-Awareness Therapy at Sana Counselling
In counselling, self-awareness means the ability to know what you’re feeling so that you can begin to gain more insight into your inner workings and external tendencies. It's important to note that becoming more self-aware can be challenging for some. A lack of understanding about how to enhance self-awareness can also lead to frustration.
At Sana Counselling, we can help. We offer both online and in-person counselling options. If you would like to explore counselling to help you become more self-aware, we offer a free consultation to assess your needs. Our counsellors specialize in the humanistic approach, cognitive behavioural approach, as well as, EMDR therapy in Vancouver. Do not hesitate to reach out to us to see what works best for you. Book a consultation with us when you’re ready.