My Philosophy
My philosophy on mental health is informed by my education, evidence-based research, and clinical experience. Rather than focusing solely on the problem or labeling the individual, I emphasize understanding the person's unique experience and how they cope with challenges. While labels can be helpful in identifying issues and guiding treatment, they can also be limiting and stigmatizing. By shifting the focus from labels to the complexities of human experience, I've come to realize that emotions play a profound role in shaping our lives. This understanding has guided my approach to therapy, where I help individuals explore and understand the emotional underpinnings of their thoughts, actions, and relationships.
The Power of Emotions
Emotions are the foundation of our experiences, driving our thoughts, actions, and relationships. They play a crucial role in shaping our perceptions, influencing our decision-making, and guiding our interactions with others. When we understand and effectively manage our emotions, we can navigate life's challenges with greater ease, resilience, and well-being.
However, when we struggle to regulate our emotions, we may experience intense feelings, mood swings, and impulsive behaviors. This emotion dysregulation can stem from the interplay between our biological disposition and environmental context.
Biological Disposition-
Our innate sensitivity to emotional stimuli and predisposition to mood disorders can affect our ability to manage emotions. Some individuals may be more prone to emotional dysregulation due to their genetic makeup or neurological factors.
Environmental Context-
The social environment, particularly our family and early relationships, plays a significant role in shaping our emotional regulation. When we grow up in an invalidating environment, where our emotions are dismissed, punished, or reinforced, we may develop:
Difficulty labeling and managing emotions
Trouble tolerating distress
Mistrust of our own emotional responses
Over-reliance on others for emotional cues
This can lead to severe emotion dysregulation, causing problems in relationships, daily life, and overall well-being. By acknowledging the power of emotions and addressing emotion dysregulation, we can work towards creating a more balanced, resilient, and fulfilling life.
"Emotional pain is not something that should be hidden away and left to intensify. It's a sign that something in your life needs attention, and the sooner you attend to it, the sooner you'll be free to live the life you want."
— DR. SUE JOHNSON, Founder of Emotion Focus Therapy
The Impact of Emotion Dysregulation
Emotion dysregulation can manifest in various ways, including:
Intense emotional experiences and inability to manage arousal
Difficulty focusing away from emotional cues
Impulsive behaviors and cognitive distortions
Struggling to achieve goals due to emotional overload
Freezing or dissociating under extreme stress
If left unaddressed, emotion dysregulation can lead to:
Negative emotions and low positive emotions
Ineffective communication and relationships
Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, bipolar, or schizophrenia
Destructive behaviors, such as substance misuse or suicidal tendencies
Emotion dysregulation can also lead to difficulties with:
Self-regulation: leading to feelings of emptiness, worthlessness, and disconnection
Behavioral regulation: resulting in impulsive behaviors and maladaptive problem-solving
Emotional awareness: causing difficulties recognizing and labeling emotions
Interpersonal relationships: leading to chaotic, intense, and difficult relationships
Given the profound impact of emotions on our lives, I've found Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to be a powerful approach that aligns with my philosophy. EFT recognizes the central role of emotions in shaping our experiences, relationships, and overall well-being. By helping individuals, couples, and families understand and reorganize their emotional responses, EFT enables them to develop more secure attachment bonds, improve communication, and foster resilience. Through EFT, I empower my clients to harness the transformative power of emotions, leading to more fulfilling relationships, increased emotional regulation, and a more authentic, wholehearted life.
