Let's get curious about Emotion

What do we mean by ‘Emotion’ within psychotherapy?

‘Emotion’ is energy in motion. As humans we generate emotions after an experience. We start doing this from birth and throughout our lives.

Are there ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ emotions?

Emotions are the energy by products of experiences, they are held at a body level, rather than a cognitive level and they are neither good nor bad. The way we perceive and respond to them cognitively as individuals and as a collective, i.e. if we feel comfortable with feeling them or are resistant to feeling them, is what creates the association we have with each emotion, and the label we may give it.

Resistance and emotions

When there is denial, suppression or avoidance towards an emotion and it's felt experience, our mental and physical health can be affected, as we are preventing that emotion from completing its cycle. This can show up as physical pain in our body, limitations to our life experience, and an inability to be present and respond from the true present moment.

Ways we can work with our emotions

1) Get curious! How aware are you of the emotions you are comfortable with and those you aren’t?

2) What stories have you been told/are you telling yourself about emotions you are uncomfortable with?

3) Can you identify any patterns/behaviours you employ to prevent you from experiencing certain emotions?

4) Compassion, Courage and consistency; our emotions know how to flow through. Our job is to allow them to safely do so. It may feel unfamiliar, and this is where compassion towards Self and consistent practise helps.

5) When we allow ourselves to be with our emotions, we are validating them and that is what moves us towards our body returning to more regulation and creating more choice in our life.