09/02/2025
One of the skills I often use in sessions is called perspective taking.
It sounds simple, but it can be life-changing.
When someone is weighed down with guilt, shame, or social anxiety, their inner voice often becomes harsh and unforgiving. They see only their flaws, their mistakes, or the worst-case scenario.
Perspective taking invites them to step outside of that voice.
It asks: What would this look like through the eyes of someone who cares about you?
Or If a friend came to you with the same story, how would you respond?
This shift makes compassion possible. It softens self-criticism and brings balance to the story. But it also does something else — it helps people consider relationships differently.
By imagining how another person might see or experience a situation, new paths open up. Instead of being stuck in guilt or fear, perspective taking makes it easier to ask:
-How might my choice impact them?
-What could I do to repair or strengthen this relationship?
-How can I communicate so they understand my heart, not just my words?
Perspective taking is not about ignoring responsibility. It is about finding clarity without distortion and choosing responses that honor both yourself and others.
It helps us see that we are more than the worst story we tell ourselves, and that we still have the power to change the stories we are building with others.
🌱 Save this if you’ve ever needed a reminder that your harshest critic lives inside you, not outside.
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