Emotion shapes and organizes our experience and connection to others. It readies us for specific actions and motivates us to change. And research now confirms that when therapists help clients deepen emotion, they attain better outcomes in therapy. But most of us have never been systematically trained in how to work with intense emotion in the consulting room. We don’t fully understand the physiology of intense emotion or how to engage its inherent power to motivate, transform, and create change that lasts.
Here, Sue Johnson explains why avoidance is often the first response to raw emotion and how to overcome it.
Rich Simon
Richard Simon, PhD, founded Psychotherapy Networker and served as the editor for more than 40 years. He received every major magazine industry honor, including the National Magazine Award. Rich passed away November 2020, and we honor his memory and contributions to the field every day.
Susan Johnson
Dr. Sue Johnson was the primary developer of Emotionally Focused Couples and Family Therapy (EFT), which has demonstrated its effectiveness in more than 30 years of peer-reviewed clinical research. Her books include Attachment Theory in Practice: EFT with Individuals, Couples and Families (2019) The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection (3rd edition, 2019) and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy with Trauma Survivors (2002). Read our tribute to Sue and learn more about your legacy on her website.
