Have you ever had a moment when someone pointed out something about you that you never realized? Maybe a friend of yours said, “You’re actually really good at calming people down,” and you paused, surprised — because you never saw that in yourself. That moment, as simple as it is, is what the Johari Window is all about.
The Johari Window was created by two psychologists, Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham (hence “Jo-Hari”), this model is like a four-room house representing your self-awareness. Each room shows what you or others know — or don’t know –about you.
🔓 Room 1: The Open Area This is the space both you and others know about you. It includes traits, preferences, values, and habits you’re comfortable sharing. For example, “I enjoy helping people” or “I am a good listener.” This room grows when you communicate honestly and build trust.
🙈 Room 2: The Blind Spot This space includes things others see in you, but you don’t see in yourself. Maybe you interrupt people without realizing it. Or maybe you have a natural ability to lead, but you underestimate yourself. This is where the feedback becomes gold.
🤫 Room 3: The Hidden Area This is what you know about yourself but keep hidden from others—your fears, secrets, insecurities, or private dreams. It’s your emotional diary. This room shrinks when you open up and build safe spaces to share.
❓ Room 4: The Unknown Area This area is a mystery to both you and others. Untapped potential, suppressed trauma, or talents yet to be discovered live here. It often takes reflection, new experiences, or even therapy to uncover this room.
How I Use the Johari Window in Counseling (And How You Can Use It Too)
When I sit with a client, I sometimes draw a simple version of this window. We talk through it. “What do others say you’re good at?” I ask. Or, “Is there anything you’ve been afraid to share?” And suddenly, the client sees their inner world laid out like rooms in a house.
The Johari Window helps people:
- Understand themselves better
- Accept feedback more openly
- Become less guarded
- Unlock new potential
And it doesn’t just work in therapy—try it in your relationships, your journal, even with your team at work.
Want to Try It?
Here’s a simple activity:
- Pick 5 adjectives that describe you.
- Ask a close friend to do the same for you (without showing yours).
- Compare. Which ones match? Which ones surprise you?
Congratulations—you’ve just opened the Johari Window.
Final Thoughts
We all want to be seen and understood. But sometimes, the first step is allowing the light to shine into the rooms we’ve left dark. The Johari Window isn’t just a tool—it’s a gentle reminder that self-awareness is a shared journey.
So the next time someone says, “I can see you”—pause. Maybe they’re showing you a part of yourself waiting to be discovered.
I genuinely do understand when clients say they’re looking for a change, but don’t know what it is yet or how to achieve it. Because I have been there, done that and thankfully was lucky enough to walk away to now be doing a job where I never have to think “Thank God it’s Friday (TGIF).”
