In the chaos of modern life, it’s easy to forget who we really are. Roles, responsibilities, relationships — all often blur our sense of self. Therapy offers a sacred space to pause, reflect, and reclaim the essence of who we are beyond our titles and timelines.
This quiet transformation can be understood through a story shared by Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the revered mystic and teacher.
He once narrated the tale of a lion cub raised among sheep. The cub, unaware of its lineage, lived in fear and timidity just like the flock. One day, a wild lion approached the herd, and the sheep scattered. But this lion noticed the cub trembling with the others and was struck by the absurdity. Dragging the cub to a still lake, he pointed to their reflection: “You are not a sheep. You are a lion, like me.”
The young lion resisted. “No, I am not. I have always lived with them. I don’t roar, I bleat. I eat grass.”
The elder lion roared — a mighty, primal sound — and the cub hesitated, then attempted a roar. A deep sound burst out of him. The echo of his real nature awakened.
This story mirrors the essence of therapy. Many of us live bleating through life, unaware that a roar sleeps inside us. Through therapy, that reflection is gently held up. And the voice — tentative at first — begins to strengthen.
Therapy is not about being fixed. You are not broken. It’s about coming home to yourself.
Why We Seek Therapy
We don’t seek therapy because we are weak. We seek it because we’re brave enough to want more: more clarity, more peace, more self-awareness. The therapeutic space is where the silent questions that trouble our sleep finally find a voice.
Many of us carry invisible burdens — childhood patterns, relational pain, career stress, identity conflicts — all tightly wrapped in silence. Therapy gently invites these layers to open, not to expose but to heal.
Therapists as Mirrors, Not Mechanics
A therapist is not here to “repair” you. They are not mechanics, they are mirrors. They reflect patterns, ask questions, and challenge stories we’ve been telling ourselves for years.
“I’m not good enough.” “It’s my fault.” “I must keep everyone happy.”
These are not facts. They are filters. And therapy helps us clean the lens.
The Journey is Not Linear
Healing doesn’t walk in a straight line. It spirals. Sometimes you feel worse before you feel better. Sometimes, your progress looks like crying in a session and then smiling at yourself in the mirror days later for the first time in years.
And that’s okay. Therapy honours the pace of your pain.
Starting Therapy: Practical First Steps
For those who are just beginning, here are some gentle and practical steps to make the journey more comfortable:
- Be open but not pressured
You don’t have to share everything in the first session. A good therapist will allow you to build trust gradually. - Pick the right fit
Therapy is a relationship. It’s okay to meet more than one therapist before you feel comfortable. Look for someone who sees you, not just your issues. - Be honest — especially about discomfort
If something feels off in the process, name it. A good therapist will invite that conversation with care. - Make space outside sessions
Journaling, breathing practices, or short reflective walks after therapy can help integrate the experience. - Don’t wait for a crisis
You don’t need a breakdown to begin therapy. Think of it as a routine act of self-care, like brushing your inner world. - Expect resistance
There will be days you don’t want to show up — emotionally or literally. That’s part of the work too.
Therapy is a sacred act of self-love. It is choosing to show up for yourself in a world that constantly demands you to show up for others.
As Swami Vivekananda said, “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.”
Therapy is a companion to that inner teacher — gently guiding, lovingly reflecting, and patiently waiting as you remember who you were always meant to be.
Shreehi 