More similar than different: how therapy reveals our shared humanity
In a world that often emphasises individual success, competition, and unique differences, it can be easy to forget the fundamental truth that unites us all: our shared humanity. Despite our unique experiences, we all grapple with similar emotions, challenges, and desires. Therapy, often seen as a deeply personal journey, can actually be a powerful tool in helping us appreciate and connect with others on a deeper level.
Understanding what connects us
At our core, we all seek love, belonging, and understanding. We experience joy, sadness, fear, and hope, regardless of our backgrounds. Yet, life’s pressures and societal expectations can make us feel isolated in our struggles. When we become caught up in self-judgement or comparison, we may forget that others, too, face difficulties, doubts, and insecurities.
It is human to feel disconnected when we think that our struggles are not understood or might be judged by others. We may also have experienced times when encouragement from others to "be more" or to "do more" leave us feeling even more isolated. These messages, however well-intended, can sometimes feel like a suggestion that our struggles stem from a personal deficit, as if we lack the necessary strengths or characteristics to avoid them. Moments like these can deepen our feelings of being different or alone.
Therapy provides a space to explore these shared human experiences. By processing our emotions, reflecting on our patterns, and understanding our personal narratives, we gain insight into the common threads that weave through every human story.
How therapy encourages connection
Developing self-compassion
Therapy can help us recognise the harsh self-judgements we carry and gradually replace them with gentler, more compassionate perspectives. While we may not always be successful, even small moments of self-kindness can have a ripple effect. As we cultivate self-compassion, we naturally extend the same empathy to those around us.
Challenging isolation
Many people believe that their struggles are unique, which can lead to feelings of loneliness. Therapy normalises our experiences by helping us see that our fears, doubts, and pains are part of the broader human condition. This realisation fosters a sense of connection and shared understanding.
Improving communication
Therapy teaches us to express our emotions more openly and honestly. Through this, we become better at listening, understanding, and empathising with others. When we communicate with authenticity, we strengthen our relationships and create spaces for genuine connection.
Healing from shame
Shame can be an incredibly isolating emotion. It convinces us that we are flawed or unworthy of connection. Read our article on shame here. Therapy offers a safe environment to work through shame, often revealing that our perceived shortcomings are not unique but part of the shared human experience. As we let go of shame, we can find ourselves opening up to deeper and more meaningful relationships.
The power of witnessing and being witnessed
One of the most profound aspects of therapy is the experience of being truly seen and heard. A skilled therapist provides a non-judgemental space where our experiences are validated and our emotions acknowledged. This process can be deeply healing, as it counters the loneliness that often accompanies emotional pain.
Moreover, as we engage in therapy, we learn to extend the same presence and attentiveness to others. We become better at holding space for friends, family, and even strangers, recognising that everyone is carrying their own unseen burdens.
Embracing the beauty of our shared humanity
By cultivating self-compassion, challenging isolation, improving communication, and healing from shame, therapy allows us to connect more authentically with ourselves and others. In doing so, we move beyond our perceived separateness and embrace the beauty of our shared humanity.
If you are considering therapy, know that it is an investment not only in your personal growth but also in your ability to foster meaningful relationships. After all, when we heal ourselves, we contribute to the healing of the world around us.
