Self Reflective Awareness
I believe Self-Reflective Awareness (SRA) is probably the single most important aspect to assist with the Counseling process.
What is Self-Reflective Awareness?
SRA is a “meta-cognitive” ability, meaning that it involves thinking about and reflecting on one’s own mental processes. Someone with good SRA is able to generate a narrative of self that is complex, clear, and multifaceted and is able to communicate that narrative in a way that allows others a much better understanding of that individual's perspective.
A low SRA reports mostly on the behaviors, and explains why an individual or individuals did what they did, and/or focus on external obstacles with no real narrative of their private or emotional experience. In contrast, a high SRA response shows the person’s deep capacity to take an observer stance and to share the internal struggles and reactions they were having, and how that made them feel.
How does one cultivate SRA?
Introspection, that is turning the focus of your attention inward and engaging in an attitude of curiosity about what makes you tick.
You can do this by journaling, mental health therapy, talking to a trusted friend, being mindful, etc.
A mindful approach is encouraged captured by the acronym C.A.L.M. which attempts to capture the attitude of the meta-cognitive observer as being Curious, Accepting, Loving/Compassionate and Motivated to Learn and Grow.
What are the domains of SRA?
To know thyself one must understand one’s history, including the context in which one was raised and key life events or turning points.
You can complete a family project by developing an autobiography of your place in your family. Maybe you can interview key players in your family, and write up a detailed narrative with intent to get a deeper understanding of the culture of the home in which you grew up and the way that impacted who you have become.
Humans have intense social drives for things like intimacy and belonging and achievement and power. We also have deep seated feelings about ourselves and others and key events. But often we do not spend time deeply experiencing or observing these aspects of our mental process. Attention to core motives and feeling states is crucial.
The defensive system gets activated when our identity is threatened or we are exposed to painful pieces of information about ourselves. Being aware of what makes you defensive and the kinds of defensive coping strategies you use is a key component.
Where do they come from?
How are they shaped?
How do you respond when confronted with others who have very different beliefs and values (i.e., are you open or closed and defensive).
Reflect on you religious or non religious beliefs, views regarding the nature of being human, and political beliefs in terms of the role of the government and your social values.
Related to both one’s beliefs and values and core motives, is the recognition of what gives one’s life meaning and purpose.
What is your “stimulus value”?
Imagine how and why someone may feel about you (good and bad).
How is your culture different from others?
More than two thousand years ago, the ancient Greeks carved “Know Thyself” above the entrance to the Apollo Temple at Delphi. I concur with this central maxim and believe SRA is a crucial capacity that is necessary for living a fulfilling, complex, and wise life.
What is Self-Reflective Awareness?
SRA is a “meta-cognitive” ability, meaning that it involves thinking about and reflecting on one’s own mental processes. Someone with good SRA is able to generate a narrative of self that is complex, clear, and multifaceted and is able to communicate that narrative in a way that allows others a much better understanding of that individual's perspective.
A low SRA reports mostly on the behaviors, and explains why an individual or individuals did what they did, and/or focus on external obstacles with no real narrative of their private or emotional experience. In contrast, a high SRA response shows the person’s deep capacity to take an observer stance and to share the internal struggles and reactions they were having, and how that made them feel.
How does one cultivate SRA?
Introspection, that is turning the focus of your attention inward and engaging in an attitude of curiosity about what makes you tick.
You can do this by journaling, mental health therapy, talking to a trusted friend, being mindful, etc.
A mindful approach is encouraged captured by the acronym C.A.L.M. which attempts to capture the attitude of the meta-cognitive observer as being Curious, Accepting, Loving/Compassionate and Motivated to Learn and Grow.
What are the domains of SRA?
- Know your family story and developmental history.
To know thyself one must understand one’s history, including the context in which one was raised and key life events or turning points.
You can complete a family project by developing an autobiography of your place in your family. Maybe you can interview key players in your family, and write up a detailed narrative with intent to get a deeper understanding of the culture of the home in which you grew up and the way that impacted who you have become.
- Understand your needs, motivations, and emotions.
Humans have intense social drives for things like intimacy and belonging and achievement and power. We also have deep seated feelings about ourselves and others and key events. But often we do not spend time deeply experiencing or observing these aspects of our mental process. Attention to core motives and feeling states is crucial.
- Understand your defenses and how you handle criticism.
The defensive system gets activated when our identity is threatened or we are exposed to painful pieces of information about ourselves. Being aware of what makes you defensive and the kinds of defensive coping strategies you use is a key component.
- Understand your strengths and weaknesses.
- Understand your beliefs/values and worldview.
Where do they come from?
How are they shaped?
How do you respond when confronted with others who have very different beliefs and values (i.e., are you open or closed and defensive).
Reflect on you religious or non religious beliefs, views regarding the nature of being human, and political beliefs in terms of the role of the government and your social values.
- Know your purpose in life and how you make meaning.
Related to both one’s beliefs and values and core motives, is the recognition of what gives one’s life meaning and purpose.
- Know how others see you.
What is your “stimulus value”?
Imagine how and why someone may feel about you (good and bad).
- Know the “cultural bubble” that you live in.
How is your culture different from others?
More than two thousand years ago, the ancient Greeks carved “Know Thyself” above the entrance to the Apollo Temple at Delphi. I concur with this central maxim and believe SRA is a crucial capacity that is necessary for living a fulfilling, complex, and wise life.