Dr. Steve Peters (2016) created this term to represent the values and beliefs by which we live our lives. The statements should be personal, based on what is important to the client.

While simple and easy to use, this is a powerful set of tools Meurisse has put together for managing feelings. His overall aim is to help people realize their potential and reach their highest level of fulfillment. The truth is, there are no “negative” emotions because they all serve a purpose. Think of them as action signals that offer valuable messages, empowering us with a choice to change. Yes, some emotions are tough, challenging us at our core. But recognizing their signals is essential for growth.Whether emotions are deemed positive or negative by psychology or societal norms can sometimes appear arbitrary. Mindfulness practices like meditation can help with stress, too. They won’t get rid of it, but they can make it easier to live with.

After all, each emotion has value. However, we should be able to maintain control over the behavior that it results in and keep balance in our lives. There are times to be angry, as there are times to be happy.

What Are Emotions and How Do They Work?

Denying negative emotions like feelings of frustration and resentment causes not only physical stress but also mental decline. Physically, repressed emotions weaken your immune system. Mentally, stamped-out feelings lead to anxiety and depression. Extreme emotions can lead you to feel overwhelmed by a situation or an environment. The Decatastrophizing Worksheet helps the client cognitively restructure how they think by exploring a series of what if questions.

Bottling up your emotions for far too long also causes emotional outbursts and might cause you to blow up on unsuspecting people. No one makes you feel “happy” or “angry”, it's based on how you're interpreting each situation in your life and the meaning you associate to it. More on that later. 4 Ways People Deal With Negative Emotion Peters, building on the success of The Chimp Paradox, provides children with 10 habits to understand their emotions and behavior and learn how to regain control. Review with the client their personal truths. Ask the client to place these statements somewhere where they will be daily reminded that reacting emotionally and losing perspective is not always the best path. MusicGray, J. R. (1999). A bias toward short-term thinking in threat-related negative emotional states. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 25(1), 65–75.