Name It to Tame It: How to Process Emotions 1/30
Therapy in a Nutshell・11 minutes read
A therapist discusses burnout from a tough client case, later realizing she is experiencing secondary trauma. Naming emotions and using "I feel" statements are important for processing and regulating emotions effectively.
Insights
- Naming and identifying emotions is crucial for emotional processing and regulation, helping to connect rational and emotional parts of the brain for effective resolution.
- Expressing emotions accurately with "I feel" statements, avoiding turning emotions into identity, and utilizing tools like mood trackers can enhance emotional awareness and aid in regulation and clarity, fostering progress in emotional processing.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
How can I improve emotional processing?
By using "I feel" statements to connect rational and emotional parts of the brain, accurately expressing emotions with emotion words, avoiding turning emotions into identity, and being specific in describing emotions, one can enhance the ability to resolve emotions effectively. Additionally, tracking emotions daily for a month, setting goals for emotional processing, and utilizing resources like mood trackers and emotion charts can improve emotional awareness and regulation.
What is secondary trauma?
Secondary trauma refers to the emotional distress experienced by individuals who are indirectly exposed to traumatic events through a close relationship with someone who has experienced trauma. In the context of the therapist's experience, she realized she was experiencing secondary trauma after dealing with a challenging client case involving trauma. This type of trauma can impact individuals' emotional well-being and requires proper emotional processing and regulation.
Why is naming emotions important?
Naming emotions is crucial for emotional processing and regulation because it helps individuals identify and understand their feelings. By using emotion words and "I feel" statements, individuals can connect the rational and emotional parts of the brain, leading to effective emotional processing. This practice allows individuals to express their emotions accurately and avoid turning them into identity, promoting emotional clarity and resolution.
How can I track my emotions effectively?
Tracking emotions effectively involves daily monitoring of one's feelings over a period of time, such as a month. By using resources like mood trackers and emotion charts, individuals can improve their emotional awareness and regulation. This practice allows individuals to identify patterns in their emotions, set goals for emotional processing, and enhance their ability to resolve emotions effectively.
What is the significance of setting goals for emotional processing?
Setting goals for emotional processing is essential for progress and improvement in emotional awareness and regulation. By establishing clear objectives related to emotional processing, individuals can track their growth, identify areas for development, and work towards enhancing their emotional well-being. This practice, combined with utilizing resources like mood trackers and emotion charts, can aid individuals in achieving their emotional processing goals and maintaining emotional clarity.
Related videos
Forrest Hanson
Emotional Regulation: Somatic Tools, Feeling Safe, and Self-Acceptance | Being Well
NICABM
How to Help a Client Come Back into Their Window of Tolerance with Bessel van der Kolk & Ruth Lanius
BorderlinerNotes
Narcissistic Transference & Countertransference | FRANK YEOMANS
Therapy in a Nutshell
How to Move Past Mental Blocks: 15/30 Remove Mental and Emotional Blocks
Peter A. Levine
Peter A Levine, PhD on Shame - Interview by Caryn Scotto D'Luzia