Can you relate to the sentence, “I'm not that good with emotions”? Well, rest assured, you are not alone! Emotions can come in various shapes and sizes; they can be constant companions or elusive strangers. Everyone has their own unique experience when it comes to processing emotions. Some of us seek out the closest person to confide in, pouring our feelings out in conversation. Others turn to their trusty journal, letting the pages capture their innermost thoughts. And there are those who retreat from the world, finding solace in solitude. Each of these responses is valid, and for some, they may not even be fully aware of their emotional processing, even if it feels like there's no processing happening at all.
Therapy provides a safe haven for individuals to explore and understand their emotional processes. It can be a space where smiles become more frequent, where it's okay to openly express sadness, and where tears may flow for the first time in ages. In therapy, you can safely navigate your emotions without fear of judgment or interruption.
One essential thing to remember about emotions is that, much like the healing process, they are not linear! Have you ever revisited a past experience, whether it happened a week, three months, or even ten years ago, only to be overwhelmed by a flood of emotions? Maybe you felt guilty for experiencing these emotions about something from the distant past. This is entirely normal because emotions are not bound by time, and each of us processes them differently. There are those who process emotions as they happen, while others revisit them later on. Several factors can contribute to delayed emotional responses:
Trauma: Sometimes, a traumatic event can leave you so deeply affected that your mind goes blank, or you've learned to dissociate from the trauma mentally.
Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin can impact the way you process emotions.
Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to anxiety or depression, making it more challenging to process emotions.
Stressful Experiences: Work-related issues, relationship breakups, academic challenges, and other stressors can sometimes lead to emotional numbness.
Lack of Time: Demands and responsibilities may make it seem like there's no time to process emotions. You may intend to do so later, but that moment may never arrive.
Regardless of how you respond to your emotions, whether you embrace them or unintentionally push them aside, therapy welcomes it all. Therapists understand that clients may not always express themselves openly during sessions and may choose to process their emotions in their own time. The clinician's role is simply to guide and support you on your unique journey, whatever that journey may entail.