# purpose of self-exploration By [M. Agaash](https://paragraph.com/@m-agaash) · 2023-03-14 --- At its core, self-exploration is about better understanding who you are and what makes you _you_. “\[Self-exploration\] helps people understand and accept who they are and why they do what they do, which improves [self-esteem](https://psychcentral.com/health/12-simple-activities-you-can-do-to-start-building-self-esteem-today), communication, and relationships,” Howes explains. Additionally, self-exploration can increase our [self-awareness](https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-be-more-self-aware-and-why-its-important), which is the ability to self-evaluate and recognize how we take up space. Self-awareness can allow us to deepen our understanding of our emotional triggers, sensitivities, and best self-care practices. This can lead to stronger [emotional regulation](https://psychcentral.com/health/emotional-regulation) and [greater empathy](https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-be-more-empathetic). Once you understand why you feel the way you feel, you may also be better able to [communicate your needs](https://psychcentral.com/health/steps-to-better-communication-today) and feelings to others, which can [strengthen relationships](https://psychcentral.com/lib/simple-steps-to-improve-your-relationship) and help you [preserve better boundaries](https://psychcentral.com/lib/10-way-to-build-and-preserve-better-boundaries). “What did you notice about yourself this week?” is what Howes usually asks at the start of each session. Every thought, interaction, or experience can be an opportunity for self-examination. He also noted that an incredible amount of information is “revealing itself all the time.” [Therapy](https://psychcentral.com/health/find-help) often involves examining your emotions and understanding where those emotions come from. According to Howes, therapists may explore with their clients: * what they are feeling * how it feels * why they are feeling it * when they have felt it before --- *Originally published on [M. Agaash](https://paragraph.com/@m-agaash/purpose-of-self-exploration)*