Are emotions your friend or your enemy??

Whether you like it or not emotions play a big part in everyone's lives - and we need them to survive. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) recognises that our bodies are connected up in every direction. 

These pesky emotions can be set of by our thoughts or can even set off those thoughts as a reaction to an event and then in turn our physical make up kicks in releasing hormones and then we act (i.e Anger may cause you to hit out?) but the cycle goes on - physical sensations -} Thoughts -} Emotions -} Actions. 

These cycles can become tiresome and even take over your identity - you can choose today to break the Cycle and learn how to control it rather than it controlling you!

“I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them.” 
― Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

Recognising my emotions - is that necessary?

Often we can put so much effort into finding ways to get rid of those emotions that they suddenly become unrecognisable, joining together into one giant ball sitting in the pit of our stomachs!! does this sound familiar?? if so you're not alone!

It may seem like such hard work to unravel that giant ball again and extremely scary, but very necessary to regain control of those emotions. 

By simply understanding each emotion, where it has come from and what it means to you - you can start to see how it affects you

“All the knowledge I possess everyone else can acquire, but my heart is all my own.” 
― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

But it's hopeless - what can I do about it??

There are many techniques you can use and skills you can build upon - but here is a suggestion so that you can start to help yourself.

'The hot cross bun' (the 5 Aspect model)

This is a very simple way to start to track your 'emotion cycles' - remember sometimes we can start at any point or flip from one box to another.

example situation
trigger/event = Got an exam today
Thoughts = I always fail, There's no point trying
Emotions = Anxiety, 
thoughts = I'm not good enough,
Physical sensations = bubbly tummy, tense shoulders, breathlessness, sweaty palms
Action = not turn up for the exam.

“Your emotions are the slaves to your thoughts, and you are the slave to your emotions.” 
― Elizabeth Gilbert,

If you'd like to understand more about your emotions - then maybe one of my workshops could help you - affordable at only £12.50 as an addition or alternative to one to one therapy.

Please visit my website for more information
www.joannelindsay-counselling.co.uk

or contact me on 01823 210077 or 07899 048256