Truth in Psychotherapy: Understanding and Reframing Our Stories
- Pedro Gatti Lima
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
Truth plays a crucial role in therapy, but it is not always clear-cut. Each person views and experiences reality in their own way, shaped by their emotions, past experiences, and personal beliefs. In psychotherapy, the goal is not just to uncover hidden truths but to help individuals make sense of their experiences and develop a healthier understanding of themselves.
How We Experience Truth
Everyone processes life events differently. What may seem small or unimportant to one person can feel overwhelming or life-changing to another. Truth, in therapy, is not just about facts but also about the emotions and meanings people attach to their experiences.
Through therapy, individuals can explore their personal truths and how they shape their thoughts and emotions. Some memories may be softened or hidden to protect against pain, while others might be exaggerated, reinforcing feelings of distress or self-doubt. Understanding these patterns is key to emotional healing.
Lying as a Coping Mechanism and Mythomania
Lying can sometimes be a way to protect oneself from difficult emotions. In therapy, people might leave out details, alter facts, or even create false memories to avoid painful realities. In extreme cases, this behavior becomes compulsive, known as mythomania, where individuals constantly fabricate stories and may even believe them.
Even without a disorder, people often lie to protect themselves from shame, fear of judgment, or feelings of insecurity. A safe therapeutic space allows individuals to confront their fears and develop a more honest and accepting view of themselves.
Hiding or Exaggerating Events
Truth is not always completely concealed; sometimes, it is adjusted. Some people avoid mentioning certain details, while others magnify events to justify their emotions and behaviors.
One of the main goals of therapy is to help individuals recognize when they are altering their narratives. By understanding why they might be hiding or exaggerating parts of their story, they can develop a more balanced and realistic self-view.
Impostor Syndrome: When Success Feels Like a Lie
Impostor syndrome is a perfect example of how truth can be distorted. People with this mindset believe they do not deserve their achievements, attributing their success to luck or external factors rather than their own skills and efforts. Even when reality shows they are capable, they struggle with self-doubt and feel like frauds.
Therapy helps challenge these false beliefs, allowing individuals to see their accomplishments for what they truly are. By working through these thoughts, they can develop self-confidence and a more compassionate self-perspective.
Conclusion
Truth in psychotherapy is not just about uncovering facts—it’s about making sense of personal experiences and learning to see ourselves more clearly. Therapy helps individuals recognize thought patterns, understand the emotions behind their stories, and build a healthier, more honest relationship with themselves. In the end, truth is not just something we discover but something we can shape in a way that supports our growth and well-being.
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