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A reaction to “Inside Out 2” and what it tells us about handling uncomfortable emotions:

As a clinical psychologist, I have recommended “Inside Out” to more clients than I can count.  While this may speak to my love of animation, I hope it also signals my respect for the emotion science represented and my appreciation for how clearly these ideas are represented.  “Inside Out 2” builds upon this foundation and reinforces messages that can be relevant for all of us striving to achieve greater well-being.  Here are a few of reactions I had watching the film:

  • Every emotion has an adaptive purpose. 

  • Emotions can feel big, uncomfortable, or even dangerous.

  • As humans we are hardwired to try to avoid and/or escape from uncomfortable, and especially dangerous, experiences. 

  • When the experiences we are trying to avoid are internal (e.g., thoughts, beliefs, memories) this can get complicated:

    • Especially if what worked for us in the short-term leads to greater long-term consequences.

  • If we are able to understand what our emotions are trying to communicate, to view them with compassion and curiosity, maybe they don’t have to feel so uncomfortable.

  • If we know our emotions are not dangerous, it can be easier to tolerate them when they are present even while we strive to make value-aligned choices.

  • As we develop an ability to handle uncomfortable emotion, it is easier and easier to keep heading towards the life we most want to lead (rather than a life spent trying to avoid certain uncomfortable emotions).

 

Of course, this is not always easy.  When walking that pathway alone is difficult, there is support, including self-help and evidence-based therapies grounded in a shared understanding of emotion science.

 

For instance, for individuals struggling with their relationship to uncomfortable emotions may benefit from #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy, #AcceptanceAndCommitmentTherapy, and/or #DialecticalBehaviorTherapySkillsTraining

 

For couples struggling to find connection and closeness, to manage conflict, or to recover from relationship hurts strategies included in #BehavioralCoupleTherapy and #EmotionallyFocusedCoupleTherapy can be invaluable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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