Think about What you Know – And What you don’t know
Johari’s Window is a simple but powerful model for understanding the difference between:
- What remains unknown or yet to emerge
- What we know about ourselves
- What others know about us
- What we choose to share or conceal
It’s a window with four panes:
| Known to self | Not known to self | |
| Known to others | Open Area This is what you know about yourself and others do too — your behaviours, values, strengths, or struggles that are out in the open. In therapy, this space often grows as we get more comfortable being ourselves. | Hidden Area These are the parts you know, but choose to keep private — maybe out of fear, shame, or simply protection. With time, trust can help you share these at your own pace. |
| Not known to others | Blind Spot Others might notice these parts of you, but you don’t — they might be patterns, defences, or qualities you’ve never thought about. Gently exploring these can lead to real growth. | Unknown Area This space holds what no one knows — not you, not others. It might include unconscious beliefs, potential, or future traits that emerge through life, therapy, or crisis. |
Why it matters:
Johari’s window is a great tool that can help in a variety of ways:
- Self-awareness
It helps highlight the difference between self-perception and how others experience us. With feedback, we gain insights into our strengths and behaviours — even the ones we don’t fully see ourselves. - Trust and communication
Used in groups or relationships, Johari’s Window encourages empathy and openness. Feedback can become a bridge for deeper understanding. - Personal development
As our open area expands, we reduce blind spots and soften the hidden. We also begin to gently explore the unknown — without needing to force anything into the light too quickly.
In therapy, Johari’s Window is often a quiet presence in the background. It’s a reminder that we’re always learning about ourselves — and that reflection, safety, and support allow us to grow at our own pace.
I’m always evolving, and I don’t see everything clearly in myself. It’s why I chat with friends, ask for feedback and accept I’ve got blind spots, and hidden areas. And as I’m always growing, new ones can develop.
You don’t have to know everything about yourself to grow. You just need a safe place to look.
