Frequently, as I have quiet moments to think my own thoughts and wonder about various things, I stumble upon little gems—insights that might never have previously occurred to me. It’s like the universe drops breadcrumbs when I’m still enough to notice them.

Recently, I’ve been exploring the idea of musical therapy, and this week I decided to curate a playlist of songs that were prominent in my youth—basically surrounding myself with old and familiar friends. As the music played in the background and I reflected on recent events in my life, I found myself tearing up. It caught me off guard.

You see, tears are something I’ve schooled myself to avoid for most of my life. Stifling emotions—especially crying—has been an ingrained expectation and a constant struggle for me. On a cultural level, I’ve learned that crying around others makes people uncomfortable, and to be honest, I’ve always been uncomfortable crying in public anyway. I’ve spent years putting on a brave front, wearing a carefully constructed mask to hide the deeper emotions. And when those emotions occasionally flooded past my barriers? I felt embarrassment, even shame.

But here’s the twist: I’ve always known, deep down, that I inherited what feels like overactive emotions—and exactly what side of the family it came from. Only in recent years did I learn that there’s such a thing as an Empath as a personality type. And even more recently, I discovered that I am a Highly Sensitive Empath.

That revelation explained so much. It was like being gifted a complex device without a manual, fumbling through life with the wrong set of instructions—until finally stumbling upon the right one. I’m still learning how to navigate my sensitivity in a healthy way, but it’s been a turning point.

What Is Emotional Honesty?

Emotional honesty means acknowledging and expressing what you truly feel—without minimizing it, rationalizing it away, or masking it to keep others comfortable. It’s saying:

• “I’m still grieving.”
• “I’m not okay, even though I smile all day.”
• “I’m angry and I don’t know what to do with it.”

It’s about being real, raw, and unfiltered—with yourself and with your therapist or support circle.

The Safe Container of a Private Session

This is why I believe private sessions—whether it’s therapy, coaching, or a structured crying session—are so valuable. They offer a container where emotional honesty is not only accepted but encouraged. No one is grading your strength. You don’t have to “have it together.” Crying? Normal. Yelling? Sometimes necessary. Silence? Welcome.

For those of us who have worn masks for decades, the safety of being emotionally honest without judgment is liberating.

What About Crying Therapy?

Although not always a formalized approach, “crying therapy” or somatic-emotional release work is gaining awareness. These sessions intentionally create space for emotional release—particularly for those of us who’ve learned to suppress. The tears that come during such sessions aren’t forced; they are allowed. Encouraged. Honored.

I know how hard it is to let yourself go there. But I also know the relief that can follow when you finally do.

The Benefits of Practicing Emotional Honesty:

Whether in traditional therapy or during an unplanned emotional moment sparked by music from your past, the rewards of practicing emotional honesty are real and lasting:

1. Faster Progress: You skip the small talk with yourself and get to the heart of what really matters.
2. Relief and Release: Bottled-up emotions create pressure. Releasing them feels like a long-awaited exhale.
3. Self-Awareness: Naming your feelings shines light on hidden beliefs and old stories.
4. Deeper Healing: Our emotions are messengers, not inconveniences. Listening to them leads to transformation.
5. Authentic Relationships: The more emotionally honest you are with yourself, the more honest you become with others—inviting deeper connections.

How to Start Practicing Emotional Honesty:

• Check in with yourself. Ask: “What am I truly feeling right now?”
• Speak your truth in session. Even if it feels messy or awkward.
• Let yourself cry. Your tears are valid. They are not a failure.
• Give yourself grace. Emotional honesty isn’t about judgment—it’s about compassion.

Final Thought:

For me, learning that I’m a Highly Sensitive Empath was like finally understanding my emotional wiring. I no longer see my sensitivity as a flaw to fix but as a strength to understand and protect.

Emotional honesty is still a practice—not something I’ve mastered. But the more I embrace it, the lighter I feel. Whether it’s through therapy, journaling, music, or a moment of stillness that brings unexpected tears, I am learning to see those moments not as breakdowns—but as breakthroughs.

So if you’ve been holding it all in, I hope this encourages you to let something out.

Because you deserve the healing that comes when you’re finally, fully honest—with yourself.