Do you have that one person you can call when you just need to talk – whether it’s about something frustrating that just happened, something exciting that you want to celebrate with someone, or a moment where you just need to check: Was I overreacting… or was that totally fair?

If you’re lucky, you have someone like that. Maybe even more than one.

There’s something incredibly healing about being able to talk things through. To process your emotions, get a different perspective, or simply be reminded that you’re not in it alone.

That’s the power of having someone who listens – not to fix, but to hear.

Whether it’s a friend, a mentor, a therapist, or a coach – having someone in your corner who can reflect things back to you, ask the right questions, or just say “I hear you” can make all the difference.

Why Talking Helps: The Psychology Behind It

We often think that we need solutions to feel better. But research shows that simply naming what we feel changes how we feel. By stating your current emotion like saying “I feel angry” can actually calm you down and helps to regulate your emotions (Lieberman et al., 2007).

One main reason that makes talk therapy so impactful is that when someone listens to you with care and intention, it creates space to regulate your emotions, think more clearly, and find your way forward. And in most cases once you have said it out loud, you answer your own question or clear up your confusion. You might even have an aha moment – when the dots suddenly connect.

That kind of self-awareness is the foundation of meaningful change.

Why So Many of Us Aren’t Benefiting

Despite all these proven benefits, many people struggle to fully engage in talk therapy or coaching or avoid it altogether. Why?

Because, we’re taught to solve things on our own or that sharing our struggles is a burden. We think that it’s easier to keep our problems to ourselves.

Spoiler alert: You don’t have to.

When we reach out to others to talk, really talk about what we are going through we can gain more clarity, confidence and connection. In fact, studies show that putting emotions into words – whether by speaking or writing – has been linked to improved mental and even physical health (Pennebaker and Beall, 1986).

Maybe you’ve tried to open up to someone and they just didn’t “get” you or maybe they seemed worlds away. That doesn’t mean there isn’t someone out there who will listen. You can find someone who will create that safe space you are searching for.

We fear being vulnerable

But vulnerability, as Brené Brown reminds us, is the birthplace of connection and courage. If you find it hard to open up to people you aren’t that close to, first try opening up to the people who love you. The more you learn to be vulnerable about what you’re going through, the more confident you become. You’re no longer closing yourself off – you’re letting your challenges breathe, instead of letting them weigh you down in silence.

You will feel more equipped facing your problems once you have said them out loud. Once you have gained a new perspective.

Let Yourself Be Heard

Whether you’re working with a coach, a therapist, or a wise friend – don’t underestimate the power of talking things out.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t have to always seem strong and confident.

You just need a safe space to explore the messiness, the maybes, and the meaning behind it all.

So ask yourself – when was the last time you gave yourself permission to talk it out? To be heard, not fixed?

The right support doesn’t just hold space for you – it reflects you back to yourself in a way that feels honest, human, and healing.