Blog for
Chris Lauzon - Therapist, LICSW

In my work as a therapist, I often describe our Tool of Self Awareness as one of the most powerful tools in our emotional toolkit. It’s the flashlight we shine inward to identify what’s truly going on inside us—our needs, our desires, our feelings, and our emotional patterns. But becoming aware is only half the journey. The other half—perhaps the more courageous part—is learning how to share what we discover with others. That’s where there is value in vulnerability.

There’s a significant difference between acting confident and with a persona and genuinely feeling confident. Often, we’re taught to “fake it ‘til you make it,” adopting a confident persona in the hope that the feeling will eventually follow. While this method can be a helpful starting point, it can also create a disconnect between our outward behavior and inner emotional state.

When individuals are caught off guard, feeling back into a corner, they are very unlikely to actively listen or participate with sincerity.

Experience Intentional Processing through The Tool of Notation, allowing yourself to stay present in the moment, and growth later.