What does it mean to stay in? Staying in can refer to staying inside our homes, our relationships, our bodies, or even the present moment. In the past, it was easy to distract ourselves by going out, filling our time with activities, and avoiding what might feel uncomfortable. Yet, staying in—both physically and emotionally—offers a profound opportunity for growth and self-understanding.
In therapy, we often explore the discomfort of staying in with our inner worlds. What arises when we slow down? What feels difficult to sit with? Therapy provides a safe and supportive space to reflect on these questions and to uncover the treasures hidden beneath the surface of our daily distractions.
Observing the Inner Landscape
Many people I’ve spoken to recently have noticed an increase in vivid dreams, a cue that they may be opening up to their inner realities. Dreams, emotions, body sensations, thoughts, and behaviours all offer valuable insights into our psyches. In therapy, these aspects of ourselves become tools for self-exploration.
When we stay with what is happening—without rushing to escape—we can begin to understand the patterns and emotions that shape our inner world. Therapy helps us deepen this process by guiding us to explore these experiences with curiosity and compassion.
Therapy as a Map to Self-Discovery
In therapy, we often start by asking questions to better understand the relationship we have with ourselves:
How do I relate to my body, my emotions, my thoughts, and my dreams?
What brings me pleasure, and what brings me pain?
What patterns do I notice in my relationships or behaviours?
What am I avoiding, repressing, or hiding from myself? And why?
Exploring these questions in therapy can help us make sense of our experiences and uncover the underlying causes of discomfort or distress. Just as a map helps us navigate the physical world, therapy provides a guide to understanding the inner world of our minds and bodies.
Staying In with Yourself
Therapy encourages us to stay in with our emotions, no matter how uncomfortable they may feel. Instead of avoiding or numbing our feelings, we can learn to sit with them, notice them, and allow them to unfold. Through this process, we often discover that what we feared might overwhelm us actually begins to shift and transform.
For instance, emotions like anxiety or sadness, when explored in therapy, often reveal deeper layers of meaning. They may point to unmet needs, unresolved pain, or hidden desires. Therapy helps us connect with these underlying truths, offering a path toward healing and growth.
The Treasure Within
While it may be tempting to turn away from yourself, therapy invites you to turn inward and stay with your experiences. It offers a space to reflect on the discomfort of staying in, as well as the beauty and strength that can emerge from this practice. Staying in doesn’t just mean staying home; it means staying present with your inner world and uncovering the treasures within.
Even if you feel uncertain or hesitant, therapy can help you navigate this journey with support and guidance. The inner world is vast and rich with possibilities, and through therapy, you can begin to explore it with greater confidence and clarity.
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