Signs of an Emotionally Mature Person: Becoming the Best Version of Your Adult Self

Emotional maturity is “a high and appropriate level of emotional control and expression” as defined by the American Psychological Association (APA). Emotional maturity is not something that is achieved and is done with—it is a continual area of self-development. A foundational sign of a psychologically healthy person is being willing and able to reflect on their emotional health.

Therapy is for all who are working on improving their mental health. Yes, this includes therapists. Many clients of therapy desire to seek a positive outcome in areas such as increasing awareness of self, strengthening relationships, improving functioning at work/ school, and improving the ability to be resilient amid adversity. Life is stressful, and most people will experience mental health challenges at some point.

The therapy space is where one can process thoughts, feelings, and experiences and learn skills to help them thrive. Imagine taking ongoing steps to become the best version of yourself. This is what therapy looks like for many folks who want to go beyond just trying to survive. If you are in survival mode, that is OK. We can meet you where you are and come alongside with support to help.

Emotional maturity is possible amid experiences of trauma, an insecure attachment, or emotional immaturity that may be seen in various mental health disorders including neurodevelopmental disorders, untreated addiction, mental health problems, and personality disorders as these can all impact social development or impulse control.

Below is a list of signs of emotionally mature people. The following are all areas that can be explored, developed, and strengthened in therapy.

Emotionally Mature People Are:

• Aware of self, including thoughts, feelings, patterns of behavior, interests, values, strengths, and growth areas.
• Able to reflect on thoughts/ feelings/ behaviors of self & others and develop insight into situations.
• Not afraid to reach out for support from others (including therapy).
• Open to feedback and demonstrate a commitment to self-improvement.
• Able to accept feedback and learn from it.
• Effectively able to relate to a variety of people and form healthy relationships.
• Strong interpersonal communicators.
• Comfortable addressing topics and managing conflict while working together.
• Responsible for their role while not taking on blame projected from others.
• Able to regulate emotions, especially in response to triggers.
• Able to develop trust and vulnerability within intimate relationships.
• Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries
• Willing and open to relational repair when needed.
• Actively creating physical, emotional, and spiritual safety.
• Comfortable being alone and engaging with others.
• Connected and experience a sense of purpose/ meaning.
• Able to be in the present moment.
• Able to accept/ integrate past experiences.
• Excited about the future; they can think ahead, plan goals, and celebrate achievements.
• Caring about other people and their feelings; they are empathetic, encouraging, & supportive.
• Advocates of self-love, taking good care of themselves to show up at their best for others.
• Good at checking in about work-life balance.
• Using skills to manage responsibilities at work/school, home, and in relationships.
• Engaged in enjoyable activities that are important to interest and values.

Written By: Charlotte Johnson, MA, LPCC