Introduction

Emotion is what we are born with. We grow with feelings of love, anger, fear,frustration, gratitude and empathy in our life. We pass through different stages of life viz. Infancy, childhood, adolescence knowing, recognising ,processing and manifesting in our day to day life. Psychologists have named these emotions differently based on their intensity. Some emotions are positive while other emotions are negative in nature.

The manifestation of emotions may depend on stimulus or triggers registered by our consciousness. How we react to a person, place, thing or matter is primarily decided by our thought process and state of mind. When emotions go wrong these assume negative forms, our failure to channelise them positively may result in verbal expressions, ranginging from verbal explosion to physical violence. Emotions aroused by trauma, grief of loss of some loved ones, intrusive memories of abuse; physical or mental in the past, sexual assault may lead to explosive behaviour, panic attack, hence these symptoms call for counselling, therapy and psychiatrist assistance.

This article explores various shades of emotion that we experience in our personal life, relationships, social circles and at work place. In an age of globalization, cut throat competition and geopolical rivalry, it is important to feel our words, thoughts through introspection before talking to the gallery. It further analyses the core concept of emotion from western and Indian lenses. It also suggests the remedies for ill mental health through practical tips, counselling and therapy.

Types of Emotions 

Basically there are two types of emotions ; primary emotion and secondary emotions.Primary emotions are Primary emotions are innate, universal, and experienced instinctively across cultures. Primary emotions include love,  happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise and disgust. Secondary emotions are complex, socially learned,and often arise from combinations and interplay of primary emotions.

Secondary emotions are complex, socially learned, and often arise from combinations or interpretations of primary emotions.These include love, guilt, shame, empathy and hope. Besides, some emotions have been labelled as Disruptive emotions on the basis of their nature and intensity.Disruptive emotions are feelings like anger, fear, anxiety, frustration, insecurity, jealousy, and overwhelm, which obstruct clear thinking, decision-making, and effective behavior, leading to overreactions, procrastination, relationship problems, or irrational actions, often seen as intense outbursts, chronic irritability, or shutting down. These emotions result in excessive worry, impatience, desperation, attachment, or contempt, that cloud judgment and sabotage goals.

One needs to develope PMA (Positive Mental Aura) to counter the negative consequences of such emotions.

Core Concepts

Aristotle in his seminal work "Poetics" talks about Catharsis, release of pent up emotions. It was applied to the study of tragic heroes where they engage with monologue and soliloquy to release the pent up emotions. In modern world it could be seen in activities engaging with sports, music, gambling and bull fighting and casino.Such activities release the latent negative energy where a person feels unburdened. Darwin wrote a book on " Emotion of Men and Animals (1 872) highlighting the growth and development of emotions in the process of evolution.

Freud and Jung on the basis of their studies of working of unconscious, subconscious and conscious mind related it to behavioral patterns, personality and psychological studies. Their studies unravelled startling facts about human mind and personality.

The term Emotional Intelligence (EI) was coined by psychologists Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer in their 1990 article "Emotional Intelligence" in Imagination, Cognition, and Personality. While they introduced the concept, it was later popularized globally by psychologist Daniel Goleman in his influential 1995 book, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Salovey & Mayer (1990) defined EI as a type of social intelligence involving the ability to monitor one's own and others' feelings, discriminate among them, and use this information to guide thinking and action. Daniel Goleman brought the concept to the mainstream, highlighting its importance in leadership and success(1995).

Indian concept of emotion has been elaborately propounded by Bharat Muni in his seminal work "Natya Shastra", in which he mentions nine rasas namely Shringar hasya, raudra, karuna, adbhut, veer, bhayanak, vibhatsya and shant. Through these rasas he explains the different emotions expressed in natak. Buddhist monks through the mindfulness and meditation suggested many practical ways of processing, diluting, sublimating and synthesising emotional turmoils. Indian system of Yoga and Vipasana are instrumental in developing a calm mind and cool demeanour. Applied to working people, police personnel, bureaucrats, politicians and army men, these techniques have shown miraculous results.Through continuous practice sessions they help people in creating a PMA (Positive Mental Aura) which works as a shield against negative energy and thoughts. These techniques also help in maintaining good mental health and emotional intelligence.

Control Mechanism

Emotional intelligence is ability to channelise our emotions at many levels strengthening our control mechanism. Golman suggests five stages for developing EI namely through self- awareness, self- regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills. Control mechanism could be developed with self- restraint, self- resilience and maintaining a gap between the stimulus and reaction. Some practical techniques such as staying away from the place, person and thing that causes triggers, mindfulness, diffusing the triggers with positive replacement may help . Recognising the cause of trigger with positivity helps in dilution, sublimation and absorbing disruptive emotions.

Counselling for healing the heart.

Emotional counselling, often called emotional or psychological therapy, is a professional helping process aimed at supporting individuals in managing and overcoming emotional difficulties. A trained counsellor acts as a compassionate guide who listens without judgment, helps articulate feelings, and teaches coping strategies. Unlike casual advice from friends or family, emotional counselling offers a structured, confidential, and evidence-based environment tailored to the individual's needs.The goals of emotional counselling include; identifying and understanding emotional patterns and triggers.Facilitating expression of feelings in a safe space.Enhancing self-awareness and emotional intelligence.Developing coping mechanisms to manage distress.Promoting personal growth and resilience. Counselling is not about erasing emotions but learning to process and integrate them healthily. It enables individuals to move from suffering to strength.

The Role of Emotional Counselling in Healing

Healing the heart through emotional counselling involves more than symptom relief. It is a journey towards reconciliation, acceptance, and empowerment.

Counselling contributes to healing include; validation of Emotions.One of the most profound experiences in counselling is feeling genuinely heard and understood. Validation means - acknowledging that someone’s feelings, even painful ones, are real and significant. This simple act of empathy can reduce shame and loneliness, which often accompany emotional struggles.

Many people wrestling with trauma or intense emotions fear vulnerability. Emotional counselling offers a confidential and safe place where individuals can explore their feelings without fear of judgment or rejection. This safety is a foundation for healing.Clarifying emotional experiences sometimes emotions feel overwhelming or confusing. Counselling helps break down complex emotions, providing clarity and understanding. For example, what looks like anger on the surface may mask sadness or fear beneath.Teaching Coping SkillsClients learn practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, and mood fluctuations.

Anxiety Disorders:

Managing excessive worry, panic attacks, or phobias.Depression: Combating persistent sadness, hopelessness, and low energy.Trauma and PTSD: Processing past traumatic experiences safely. Relationship Issues, navigating conflicts, communication breakdowns, or breakups. Self-Esteem Problems: Overcoming self-doubt, shame, or negative self-talk. Stress Management: Learning to cope with work pressure, family demands, or chronic illness.By customized approaches, counsellors address individual emotional landscapes rather than simply applying one-size-fits-all solutions.

Techniques in Emotional Counselling:

Several counselling models and techniques are particularly effective for emotional healing. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).CBT helps identify negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones. It is action-oriented and practical in managing anxiety and depression. Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT):

EFT specifically targets emotional awareness and expression, guiding clients to connect with their core feelings and transform distressing emotions.

Mindfulness-based therapies:

These approaches encourage present-moment awareness and acceptance of feelings without judgment, reducing emotional reactivity.

Narrative Therapy:

This method helps people reframe their personal stories, seeing themselves as survivors with agency rather than victims.

Humanistic Centered Therapy:

Emphasizing empathy and unconditional positive regard, this fosters self-acceptance and growth.

Art and Expressive Therapies:

Sometimes emotions are too complex for words alone. Creative outlets like drawing, music, or writing can facilitate emotional expression and healing.The Counselling Relationship, the therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client is a central factor in emotional healing. Trust, empathy, respect, and authenticity form the core of this bond. When clients feel accepted without conditions, they can explore vulnerable parts of themselves. Even difficult emotions such as anger, shame, or fear can be safely expressed and worked through.Importantly, emotional counselling respects the client’s pace and readiness to confront issues. The counsellor acts as a supportive partner, never pushing beyond what feels manageable.

Challenges and Misconceptions about Emotional Counselling.

Despite its benefits, some people hesitate to seek emotional counselling due to misconceptions:Stigma Around Mental Health: Many fear being judged or seen as weak. Misunderstanding Counselling: Some expect counselling to quickly "fix" problems rather than being a gradual process.

Cultural Barriers: Certain cultures may discourage open expression of emotions or seeking outside help. Fear of Vulnerability: Opening up about painful experiences can feel frightening.Overcoming these barriers through education, accessible services, and normalizing emotional care is critical.

Emotional Counselling in the Digital Age.

The rise of online counselling and teletherapy has expanded access to emotional support worldwide. Virtual platforms offer convenience, anonymity, and ongoing support even in remote areas. While some therapeutic work benefits from in-person connection, many have found digital counselling valuable, especially when mobility or stigma is a concern. Apps, guided self-help modules, and virtual support groups complement traditional counselling methods and empower people to manage emotions proactively.

How to Support Someone Facing Emotional Challenges.

Beyond professional counselling, the support of friends, family, and community is vital. Practical ways to help include:Listening without interrupting or judging. Offering emotional validation and reassurance.Encouraging professional help without coercion.Helping with daily tasks when overwhelmed.Checking in regularly to show care and presence.Creating a compassionate social environment reduces isolation and strengthens the healing process.

Conclusion:

The Path to Healing Hearts, Emotional counselling stands as a beacon for those struggling with emotional challenges. It offers a unique combination of empathetic listening, evidence-based tools, and a safe space to shed pain and build resilience. Through counselling, individuals learn to understand their emotions, manage distressing feelings, and reclaim their lives with renewed hope and purpose.Healing hearts is not about erasing emotional struggles but embracing them with courage and support, transforming pain into growth. In a world where emotional wellbeing is more important than ever, emotional counselling makes healing accessible and possible.

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