Reflection

"...psychology is not observing external objects at a distance but observing our involved lived experience."

"Much of our activity in daily life occurs without a great deal of self-conscious reflection or questioning...It is only when we encounter an obstacle to what we are attempting to do that we become self-consciously concerned and reflective, such as if we were unexpectedly to find the door locked and required a key to open it."

"From birth, we are 'thrown' into worlds not of our own choosing, and our individual being as human agents is shaped with others in the sociocultural contexts in which we find ourselves."

From Toward an Alternative Psychology (Chapter 12), Jeff Sugarman and Jack Martin.

Therapist, know thyself. Know the social norms, gender role stereotypes, and other expectations that have shaped you. Decide whether you want them to continue to define you, oppress you, or confine you. Upon reflection, you can choose to break free. Who are you? What do you want? What do you believe? Say it softly and quietly to yourself first. Write it down so you remember. Then make it public. Do or say something authentically. It is your birthright.