The Power of Your Authentic Self: Why Finding Your True Voice Matters for Wellbeing
We live in a world full of noise — opinions, expectations, and endless comparisons. It’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are beneath all the layers. Many people spend years shaping themselves to fit in, please others, or meet society’s standards, only to find they feel anxious, disconnected, or deeply unfulfilled.
The truth is, your authentic self — the part of you that knows your values, desires, and boundaries — is the foundation of lasting emotional wellbeing. When you reconnect with that self and express your true voice, you not only feel more alive, you begin to thrive.
Why We Lose Touch with Ourselves
From childhood, we absorb unspoken rules: Don’t upset people. Be perfect. Hide your feelings. These messages, especially if reinforced by painful experiences, can create what Schema Therapy calls maladaptive schemas — deep patterns that shape our identity.
Over time, we might silence our opinions, downplay our needs, or wear a mask to feel accepted. EMDR therapy can help heal the memories and emotional charges linked to these patterns, freeing us to reconnect with our true self.
The Cost of Living Out of Alignment
When you live according to others’ expectations instead of your own values, it can manifest as:
Persistent anxiety or low mood
Chronic stress and tension in the body
Low self-esteem or self-worth
Feeling like life is happening to you, not with you
It’s not just an emotional weight — it can affect your relationships, decision-making, and even physical health.
Finding Your Voice Is Not Just Speaking — It’s Living
Your voice isn’t only the words you say; it’s how you show up in the world. It’s the art you create, the work you choose, the way you set boundaries, and the joy you allow yourself to feel.
Through the process of therapy, you can learn to:
Identify the beliefs and patterns keeping you silent
Heal the emotional wounds that make authenticity feel unsafe
Strengthen the “Healthy Adult” mode — the part of you that can nurture, protect, and guide yourself
Practice expressing your needs and desires without fear
The Wellbeing Benefits of Authentic Living
When you align your life with your authentic self, you may notice:
Reduced anxiety and stress
Greater emotional resilience
Deeper, more genuine relationships
Increased confidence and self-worth
A clearer sense of purpose and meaning
Authenticity isn’t about being loud or radically different — it’s about being true. And that truth is the most powerful medicine you can give yourself.
Final Thought
Finding your authentic self and voice is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing, evolving relationship with yourself. With approaches like EMDR and Schema Therapy, you can heal the past, release the fear of being seen, and start living a life that feels deeply and unapologetically your own.
Your voice matters. Your truth matters. And your wellbeing depends on it.
Lisa Joseph
Psychologist MAAPi