Know Thyself: Discover Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills Through Mental Health Awareness
Many wait until they are faced with an internal crisis, an intrapersonal dilemma, or anxious/depressive symptoms that lead them to seek talk therapy. At The Women’s Center, we emphasize the importance of mental health awareness, encouraging individuals to seek support before reaching a breaking point. Rachel Fielding, one of our licensed clinical social workers, wants prospective clients to know, “you don’t have to wait to develop the skills that build emotional intelligence.”
Intrapersonal skills refer to the ability to understand and manage one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Interpersonal skills, on the other hand, involve the ability to communicate and interact effectively with others. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Narrative therapy address both domains by helping individuals become more aware of their internal processes and relational patterns.
CBT focuses on identifying and reframing negative thought patterns that influence emotions and behavior. It teaches clients to recognize distorted thinking, challenge beliefs, and develop healthier responses. Narrative Therapy, alternatively, encourages individuals to explore and re-author the stories they tell about themselves. This approach helps people detach from problem-saturated narratives and recognize their agency in creating new, more empowering perspectives.
Both therapies emphasize the importance of attending to internal dialogue—those ongoing thoughts that influence how individuals interpret their experiences and relate to themselves and others. In CBT, clients learn to identify automatic thoughts that may be irrational or anxiety-provoking. For example, a child who believes “I’m not good enough” may learn to challenge this thought and replace it with a more balanced one, such as “I have strengths and areas for growth.”
In Narrative Therapy, the client may externalize problems (“I’m dealing with anxiety” versus “I am anxious”) to view them more objectively. This shift helps distinguish between thoughts and feelings, empowering clients to reflect on the origins of their anxieties, which are often shaped by past experiences or societal messages.
Through these processes, clients develop greater emotional intelligence (EI), which is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions as well as the emotions of others. EI involves self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. CBT and Narrative Therapy cultivate these components by encouraging introspection, emotional regulation, and improved communication. As our subject matter expert, Rachel, has said, “I wish the tenets of emotional intelligence were taught as a part of schools’ mainstream curriculum.”
As emotional intelligence improves, individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. They become better equipped to manage conflict, express empathy, and build meaningful connections. For children, this might mean navigating peer relationships more effectively or managing frustration in the classroom. For adults, it could involve improved workplace dynamics or healthier romantic relationships.
Consider mental health therapy as an investment in understanding oneself and others. Book an appointment at The Women’s Center today: CLICK HERE or call (571) 385-1625 (VA) & (202) 293-4580 (DC).
