Poor emotional processing can lead to a lot of problems

In counseling, I commonly see folks who have great difficulties with processing their own emotions.

A feeling arises. Thinking kicks in with a specific “negative” narrative. This creates another feeling. Then an unhelpful set of behaviours may occur. Then more thinking. Then more feelings. Then more undesirable behaviours. Then more thinking. Then more feelings. Then it gets really messy.

This can then perpetuate on for days or weeks or more with rumination, overthinking, and a feeling of being stuck or overwhelmed.

Finding ways to hold space and break this cascade with more accurate and helpful emotional processing is important for these folks.

In primary care, I am sure you see this too on most days if not everyday.