Picture this:
You’re sitting in a café with a friend, and instead of the usual, “How’s work?” they casually ask, “So, what’s your inner child been up to?”
And it’s not weird at all!
You sip your coffee and say, “Oh, just reconnecting with some childhood fears; it turns out, they’ve been messing with my boundary-setting.”
Your friend nods knowingly and responds, “Totally relatable. I had a big breakthrough last week about my fear of abandonment; it turns out it was showing up every time I didn’t get a text back from my boyfriend within five minutes.”
These wouldn’t be conversations reserved for deep, dramatic moments. Instead of small talk about the weather, people might casually drop, “I’ve been working on my self-compassion. You know, being kinder to myself when I make mistakes. How’s your emotional regulation going?” No one would blink an eye. It would just be another Tuesday.
Romantic relationships would look different too.
Imagine your partner saying, “I love how you expressed your need for space. That shows real emotional intelligence, and I’m here for it.” Disagreements wouldn’t explode into shouting matches but would be diffused with phrases like, “I’m feeling triggered right now, can we pause and talk when I’ve had time to process?” Rather than storming out of the room, the response might be a nod and a thoughtful, “Thanks for communicating that. Let’s revisit this when we’re both in a better headspace.”
And friendships
Well, they would be no different.
A typical text exchange between friends might look something like this: “Hey, I’ve been feeling a bit off lately, can we have a heart-to-heart this weekend?” To which the reply would be, “Of course! Let’s unpack it together, I’m always here for you.”
Instead of bottling up our feelings, we’d reach out without hesitation, knowing that vulnerability is a strength, not a burden.
It wouldn’t be a world where “if you’re happy, clap your hands” is the norm. Instead, imagine this: if you’re happy, sad, or feeling a mix of both, you’d express it however you feel like—no pressure to put on a brave face. Maybe you’d text your friend, “Hey, I’m happy today, but there’s a little sadness hanging out in the background too.” And your friend would reply, “Totally get it! I’m kind of riding that same emotional rollercoaster.”
Therapy at Work? Yes, Please!
Even in the workplace, therapy would influence how we interact. Meetings wouldn’t just be about deadlines and deliverables; you’d hear phrases like, “I’ve noticed the team is feeling a bit overwhelmed—should we take a moment to check in on everyone’s emotional bandwidth?”
Bosses would actually ask, “How are you managing the stress levels this week?” And instead of brushing it off, you’d be encouraged to share openly: “I’ve been a bit stretched, but I’m working on reframing some negative thoughts. I’ll be back on track soon.”
Self-care wouldn’t be this extra hobby squeezed between work and Netflix binges. Imagine it’s 3 PM, and instead of pushing through your afternoon slump, you take 10 minutes to meditate, journal, or just breathe because you know your mental health is as important as your to-do list. Therapy and self-reflection wouldn’t be seen as indulgences but as basic maintenance, just like going to the dentist or getting a physical check-up.
Kellie Marie Fernandes, a Masters in Psychotherapy and Counselling student at Western Sydney University, perfectly sums it up: “If everyone went for therapy, it would mean we’ve made great strides in accepting and understanding mental health. Therapy would be as common as a check-up with a doctor, leading to a culture where talking about feelings and struggles is normal and encouraged. This shift would help us appreciate each other’s differences and support one another more genuinely. It would create a more compassionate society where people feel comfortable seeking help and sharing their experiences, making everyone’s lives a bit better.”
In this world, we’d be emotionally literate and better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs. Imagine the empathy boost! You’d know that the grumpy guy at the grocery store might just be having a tough day and instead of snapping back, you’d offer a smile or a kind word.
And it’s not just about being more understanding. Therapy gives us tools, real, practical ones for solving problems. Abby Miller, a Bachelor’s in Psychology Honours student at Western Sydney University, points out: “A lot of psychology sessions are problem-solving between the psychologist and the client. I think aside from the mental health benefits, it would be incredibly beneficial for everyone to have an expansive and personalized toolkit of problem-solving tools at their disposal.”
Imagine being able to tackle challenges, big or small, with a ready-made toolkit from therapy no more floundering when life throws a curveball.
What if therapy made us all more aware?
Not just of our own emotions but of the way we interact with the world.
We’d understand that everyone has their struggles, and instead of judging, we’d support each other. It would be a world where showing vulnerability isn’t scary, but an invitation to connect.
We’d know how to cope with pain, how to express joy, and most importantly, how to hold space for each other.
Life wouldn’t be easier, but it would feel more manageable. We’d be a society where we don’t just survive but thrive. Together!
Read this article in New Perspectives, WSUP’s Magazine Print edition
