All The Feels

All The Feels

As I read this, it spoke to me because I have been there. It is easy for us as teens and adults to avoid the difficult feelings because they are overwhelming, uncomfortable, or even painful. Our amygdala part of our brain starts to safeguard us from fear of being vulnerable or experiencing intense emotions and numb our feelings as a way of self-protection. Understanding how our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviors opens up a way to begin responding more positively. Techniques such as assertiveness, communication, emotion management, and social skills are a few ways to express feelings.

Children and adolescents are still developing their emotional awareness and skills to cope with their feelings. Processing and navigating their feelings may be new territory leading them to avoid them altogether. This can surface later as behavioral concerns at home and school. Play therapy techniques offers children and adolescents a nonverbal and symbolic way of expressing themselves. It gives them tools to play out their feelings allowing them to communicate and process in a setting that is familiar and comfortable.

While avoiding feelings brings temporary relief, it is unhealthy in the long run. Emotions have an important role to play in becoming our greatest teacher such as providing information about our needs, helping us navigate relationships, and alerting us to potential threats or problems. It is essential to accept, understand, and process our emotions in a healthy manner. At Empatia Counseling, we are here to help you through those steps and strengthen your emotional well being.