Over the past week, working with diverse clients in my Camden and Southern Highlands practices, I’ve encountered a recurring theme: the dichotomy of so-called ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ emotions. Through individual therapy and couples counseling, I’ve come to believe that these labels may not accurately reflect our authentic emotional experiences.
A New Perspective on Emotions
This introspection was sparked by a recent therapy session with a client who viewed anger as inherently bad and something to be actively avoided. This led me to a pivotal question: What if we reshaped our perception of emotions, moving away from labeling them as ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ and instead seeing them as ‘pleasant’ or ‘unpleasant’? Additionally, what if we focused more on our reactions to these emotions?
Image of a joyful woman of colour with outstretched arms, smiling brightly, representing the empowering freedom found in emotional understanding and healthy expression, as discussed in the context of individual therapy and couples counselling.
Understanding Anger
Consider anger, often seen as an emotion to dodge or suppress. Can we genuinely control our emotions? They arise in response to our experiences and are entirely valid. For instance, if you feel anger following unjust criticism and respond by punching a wall, this reaction doesn’t align with the emotion itself but rather reflects a behavior associated with it, overshadowing the initial cause of your anger (the unjust criticism).
But what if you chose a different response to your anger? What if you decided to step outside and take a brisk walk, letting your accelerated heartbeat help dissipate your fury? Studies suggest that a change in surroundings or physical activity can alleviate emotions like anger.
Image of a dark, stormy sky with dramatic black clouds and striking lightning, symbolizing the intensity of unpleasant emotions like anger, as discussed in the context of therapy and emotional management in Camden and Southern Highlands.
The Role of Emotions in Our Lives
Labeling anger as ‘negative’ can feel appropriate due to its unpleasant nature. However, this oversimplification can undermine our understanding of our emotional world. Anger, when understood, can be a mobilizing force, compelling us to stand up for ourselves or initiate action. Shouldn’t we, therefore, embrace it more? It’s when we channel our anger in counterproductive or harmful ways that we compromise the legitimacy of this emotion.
Shifting Our Focus in Therapy
As we navigate the nuances of therapy, whether it’s individual or couples therapy, let’s shift away from categorising our emotions as ‘positive’ or ‘negative.’ Instead, let’s invest more time in examining the behaviours we associate with these emotions.
Embracing a Healthier Emotional Perspective
By rethinking how we label and respond to our emotions, we can foster a healthier emotional perspective. This approach encourages us to understand our emotions deeply and respond to them in ways that align with our values and well-being.
If you need support in navigating your emotions, consider reaching out for an appointment in Camden or the Southern Highlands. Together, we can explore healthier ways to understand and respond to your emotional experiences.
