The power of openness in therapy: Moving beyond self-protection

It’s natural to close off in response to negative experiences. Hurt, loss, or fear often lead us to shield ourselves from further pain, creating emotional walls that feel protective. However, while these defences may seem necessary in the short term, they can also distance us from our emotions and from others. Over time, this disconnection often limits our ability to heal, grow, and connect.

Openness as a pathway to awareness

Openness is the first step toward change. It’s about recognising the patterns we’ve developed over time - our emotional reactions, our thought processes, and the ways we engage with others. These patterns may have been protective once, but they can also keep us stuck, repeating old cycles. Through openness, we begin to explore these parts of ourselves, becoming more aware of the ways we react to challenges and why.

Openness doesn’t mean letting go of your boundaries or pushing yourself beyond what feels safe. It’s about making space to acknowledge what’s present - your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours - without judgment. This introspection can take many forms, from mindfulness practices to journaling or simply pausing to notice your internal world. In therapy, openness allows us to examine these layers and uncover new insights.

The courage to stay present

In therapy, staying open requires courage. It can feel safer to retreat, avoiding discomfort or difficult emotions. But, by leaning into this discomfort, by allowing ourselves to be present with whatever arises, we invite the possibility for change. Therapy provides a secure space to explore these uncomfortable feelings with support, allowing us to slowly break down the walls we’ve built.

Being open also means embracing uncertainty. Change can feel overwhelming, and the path forward is not always clear. However, by remaining open, we create the possibility of new perspectives and different choices. Therapy helps you stay present with your experiences, even when they’re difficult, and navigate them in a way that feels supportive rather than overwhelming.

Connection and healing

Openness not only affects how we relate to ourselves but also how we connect with others. Emotional walls can lead to isolation, making it harder to communicate our needs and build meaningful relationships. By staying open, we cultivate deeper connections - both with ourselves and the people around us.

Therapy offers a space where you can practice this openness, exploring your emotions, thoughts, and experiences without fear of judgment. It allows for a deeper understanding of your patterns, your needs, and how to meet them. As we work through these layers, we find opportunities for healing that go beyond mere survival, helping you move from a place of protection to one of connection and growth.

A practice of openness

Like all meaningful changes, openness is a practice. It’s something you can cultivate with intention, day by day. This could be through moments of introspection, or through exploring your feelings with a trusted therapist. Over time, openness becomes a powerful tool for awareness, allowing us to respond to life’s challenges with a sense of clarity and compassion, rather than fear or withdrawal.

In therapy, the practice of openness leads to growth. It’s a way to begin again, to approach old patterns with fresh understanding and the possibility of change. Through this process, you not only learn to understand yourself better but also to approach life in a way that feels more connected and alive.

Wherever you are in your journey, know that the first step - being open to exploring your inner world - is the most powerful one you can take. And you don’t have to do it alone.