Lived Experience

The phrase "lived experience" originates from the field of phenomenology, a philosophical movement primarily developed in the early 20th century by Edmund Husserl. Phenomenology emphasizes the value of personal perception and experience in understanding the nature of the human mind. The term can signify individuals' first-hand experiences and perceptions as they live their lives, underscoring the subjective and personal nature of these experiences separate from outside biases.

In psychology and sociology, "lived experience" has gained prominence in recent years. It refers to the experiences of individuals shaped by their particular social, political, or economic contexts that are unique to their perception. These experiences, as understood in their unmediated, raw form, may provide rich insights into the realities of individuals' lives that are often overlooked by traditional empirical or statistical methods. 

The concept illustrates the belief that every individual's experience is unique and valid and provides a valuable perspective. It also highlights the importance of understanding the many nuances in each individual’s mental health journey.

"Lived experience" is a term often used in the context of mental health, referring to the firsthand accounts and insights of individuals who may struggle with mental health conditions. These personal narratives are significant to mental health professionals because they offer a unique perspective beyond clinical diagnoses and treatment plans. They encapsulate the day-to-day struggles, resilience, coping strategies, and progress that individuals experience and are unique to them. 

When working with mental health conditions, it can be helpful to differentiate between lived experiences and conceptual experiences. Real, lived experiences are concrete and personal, representing events or situations that an individual has personally gone through. These experiences can significantly shape a person's mental and emotional state, affecting their perspectives and responses to various life situations. 

In contrast, conceptual experiences are considered abstract, often based on ideas, theories, or beliefs that may not necessarily align with objective reality. For example, reading about poverty can provide theoretical knowledge, but experiencing it or talking to those who have lived it offers a deeper, more accurate understanding. While these experiences can provide valuable insights, relying solely on them without considering the lived experiences may lead to misinterpretations or disconnection. 

Recognizing and valuing individual lived experiences may lead to more compassionate, personalized, and effective mental health care, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy between therapists and their clients. Acknowledging lived experiences may help individuals recognize the nature of their unique story and enable more empathy and understanding of others.

Lived experiences, rich in diversity and depth, contribute to humanity's unique tapestry. They can shape perspectives, influence responses, and mold identities. These experiences may offer a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and resilience and serve as a testament to one’s strength and adaptability. However, lived experiences may also narrow one’s worldview and create biases, preventing one from fully understanding or appreciating perspectives that may differ from one's own. 

Despite these individual differences drawn from varied experiences, it could be helpful to remember the universal aspects of being human that all humans share. Emotions like love, fear, joy, and sorrow; experiences such as birth, death, success, and failure; and inherent traits such as the capacity for empathy and the desire for connection are innately human attributes that transcend personal experiences. Recognizing these shared aspects may foster empathy and balance the role that unique lived experiences play in each person’s life.

Sharing lived experiences with a therapist can be a beneficial and supportive process for many clients. Therapy is a collaborative effort between the professional and the client. Part of that collaboration is bringing lived experiences to the table so the provider can offer the most effective and accurate guidance to support clients through their achievements and struggles.

Hundreds of therapeutic modalities exist to support individuals. However, some are more focused on delving into one’s lived experiences. For example, modalities like humanistic therapy,² person-centered therapy,³ integrative therapy, and narrative therapy⁴ focus on clients retelling their stories and receiving support in a personalized manner. Instead of following strict guidelines, therapists using these modalities may use methods from various psychological theories.