This month, we're looking at the next characteristic that I treasure in the counselling relationship (and is a personal value too) - authenticity 🙌
Authenticity is living your life with intention and according to your values. It's acting in your true nature whatever situation you find yourself in. It's also holding fast to your own ideas and ideals rather than those that society, friends and family expect from you. It's having your values, ideals and actions align.
Most of us have gone through times that instead of behaving in a genuine way, we tell people what we think they want to hear and act in ways that go against our true nature. While very common, this is being inauthentic. Living and working this way is tiring and confining! When we give ourselves permission to be true to ourselves, we can live free from others' ideas and expectations and we can choose to live according to we hold dear.
Brené Brown describes it beautifully- "Authenticity is not something we have or don’t have. It’s a practice – a conscious choice of how we want to live. Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”
When authenticity is present in the counselling relationship, people are given the nutrients to grow and flourish, and to become truly themselves! It requires honest communication and beautiful, difficult vulnerability at times... but it leads to better trust, growth and ultimately the best outcome.
Is this something you have or are currently struggling with in the relationships in your life? Do you find it hard to be honest and vulnerable with yourself?
Reach out to me here 🤗
Yours truly (used intentionally 🤗),
P.S. Find more great quotes on vulnerability here.
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