Emotions

Emotions

Strasser, F. (1999)

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Only in this century have emotions been considered a holistic part of human existence

Every emotion has its own function

The notion of ‘dangerous emotions’ has had an enduring influence on Western Civilization (Eg. Sin caused by emotions)

According to Sartre, an emotion is only an emotion when the individual is not aware and not contemplating his feelings and actions; an unreflective emotion is when one is ‘under a spell’; Emotions transform the world into a ‘magical place’.

Reflective emotions are emotions we can control (‘conscious’, ‘aware’)

In therapy, the capacity to observe and to listen to clients’ emotions is the most important part of the therapeutic process

Emotion is precisely consciousness (‘I cannot get in touch with my emotions’)

Emotions are the best vehicles for clients to disclose themselves and reveal their world-view. It also illuminates their values and sedimentations, allowing them to challenge their rigid sedimentations

Sartre’s main assumption is that emotion is always present in our consciousness and that emotion always means something

Each emotion has intentionally to direct itself at something

Emotions not only reveal the individual’s world-view, but also disclose the diversity of each individual

We all differ in how we experience and react to emotions

Whether we are aware of it or not, we disclose ourselves through emotions