Curiosity is a powerful force. It’s something that has always driven me, both in my personal life and my professional journey as a psychologist. When I founded Be Curious Psychology, it was born out of the belief that curiosity can really transform our lives.
I’ve seen so many people (myself included) who feel stuck by narratives about themselves, stories they’ve carried for years which limit their growth and interfere with the life, they (or at least a part of them), truly wants to lead. Often, these narratives come with a harsh, shame-inducing (Shame with a capital S) inner dialogue, one that is relentless in its criticism and judgement.
The Role of Curiosity in Change
So, how do we shift these deeply ingrained patterns of thinking and self-criticism? One way that has stood out to me is the practice of curiosity — not the kind that leads us down rabbit holes of over-analysis or self-critique, but a gentler, non-judgemental curiosity.
When I say be curious, I mean adopting an open and compassionate mindset toward our internal experiences. It’s about gently acknowledging the stories we tell ourselves, without immediately accepting them as truth or condemning ourselves for having them in the first place. This type of curiosity is a way of exploring what’s going on inside, not with the aim of fixing anything, but simply to understand. And through this understanding, we often find the seeds of real change.
Curiosity as a Tool for Self-Compassion
There’s something beautiful about being able to approach our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with a sense of openness — without the pressure to change or resolve them right away. When we take a step back and look at our inner dialogue with curiosity, it’s disarming. The automaticity of harshness starts to lose its grip, and instead of spiralling into self-criticism, we begin to create space for compassion.
This doesn’t mean ignoring or pushing down difficult emotions, but rather accepting that they are part of our experience without attaching too much judgement to them. It’s a shift away from the constant pursuit of outcomes — whether that’s becoming “better,” “fixed,” or “perfect” — and toward simply being with ourselves in a more gentle and understanding way.
Why Be Curious?
“Be Curious” perfectly captures the mindset I wanted to promote when I started Be Curious Psychology. It’s a philosophy that encourages us to approach both ourselves and those around us with openness, a desire to learn, and a sense of playfulness. It invites us to ask questions without needing definitive answers, to sit with uncertainty without the rush to fix it, and to embrace our imperfections without judgement.
When we allow ourselves to be curious, we are no longer focused on chasing some ideal version of ourselves or our lives. Instead, we can stay in the present moment, appreciating it for what it is, and acknowledging our internal experiences — whatever they may be — without getting caught up in them. It’s about shifting our focus from what we should be doing, thinking, or feeling, to simply being curious about what we are experiencing right now.
This is the foundation of my work. I’ve found that when clients begin to embrace this, it can allow for greater self-acceptance, compassion, and peace. It allows us to move away from the exhausting task of fighting ourselves and instead create space to understand and nurture who we are, flaws and all.
Curiosity as a Path to Well-being
The reason I chose curiosity as the core of my approach is because it’s accessible. We don’t have to be experts or have all the answers to be curious. All it requires is a willingness to observe and explore without judgement. It encourages us to stay present, rather than getting lost in regret or fear of the future. And most importantly, it invites us to cultivate kindness toward ourselves, even in our moments of struggle.
By fostering this gentle curiosity, we can start to change the narrative we have about ourselves. Instead of being stuck in a loop of self-criticism and shame, we can begin to view ourselves with the same kind of compassion we might offer to a friend. This shift can make all the difference in how we approach our mental and emotional well-being.
The Power of Simply Being
Curiosity, for me, is more than just a tool — it’s a way of life. Be Curious Psychology is about creating a space where people can let go of the need to have all the answers and instead embrace the freedom that comes with simply being. By stepping into curiosity, we can start to provide an alternative way of being, in response to our inner critic, and begin to move toward a deeper sense of self-acceptance and compassion.
I created Be Curious Psychology because I believe that when we allow ourselves to be curious — when we stop chasing outcomes and start embracing the present moment — we can unlock a path to real growth and harmony. Curiosity allows us to connect with ourselves and others in a more meaningful way, and that, to me, is the key to living a more fulfilling life.
Carl Rogers (Founder of the Person-Centred Approach):
“The only learning which significantly influences behavior is self-discovered, self-appropriated learning. Truth that has been only ‘told’ seldom has the same effect as truth that has been discovered through curiosity.”
If you’re curious (excuse the pun!) about me or my work please get in touch: hannah@becuriouspsychology.com