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If anyone has ever told you to “open up more” or “show some emotion,” you may be wondering what they really meant. It’s easy for us to get caught up in our own little worlds and hide what we’re feeling from other people. Sometimes, we don’t even realize we’re being guarded or hiding our feelings. But even if it isn’t intentional, bottling up can make it hard to connect with people, and it can lead to problems in the long run if we struggle to share or show how we’re feeling. If you can open up more to others, you’ll see how rewarding and invigorating it is to connect on a deeper level!
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QuestionHow can I express my emotions better?Dr. Liana Georgoulis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and clinical director of Coast Psychological Services. With over 12 years of experience, her mission is to provide clients with effective, well-studied, and established treatments that bring about significant improvements in her patients' lives. Her practice provides cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based therapies for adolescents, adults, and couples. Additionally, she provides group therapy for social anxiety, social skills, and assertiveness training. Providing a space where clients feel understood and supported is essential to her work. Dr. Georgoulis also provides clinical supervision to post-doctoral fellows and psychological assistants. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles.Be open about what you're feeling and communicate it clearly with other people so they're aware as well.
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QuestionCan a therapist help with emotions?Dr. Liana Georgoulis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and clinical director of Coast Psychological Services. With over 12 years of experience, her mission is to provide clients with effective, well-studied, and established treatments that bring about significant improvements in her patients' lives. Her practice provides cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based therapies for adolescents, adults, and couples. Additionally, she provides group therapy for social anxiety, social skills, and assertiveness training. Providing a space where clients feel understood and supported is essential to her work. Dr. Georgoulis also provides clinical supervision to post-doctoral fellows and psychological assistants. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles.Yes! Your therapist can help you identify and process your emotions. They'll also help you learn to better express your emotions.
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QuestionIs non-verbal communication as important as verbal communication?Dr. Liana Georgoulis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and clinical director of Coast Psychological Services. With over 12 years of experience, her mission is to provide clients with effective, well-studied, and established treatments that bring about significant improvements in her patients' lives. Her practice provides cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based therapies for adolescents, adults, and couples. Additionally, she provides group therapy for social anxiety, social skills, and assertiveness training. Providing a space where clients feel understood and supported is essential to her work. Dr. Georgoulis also provides clinical supervision to post-doctoral fellows and psychological assistants. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles.Non-verbal communication is very important when it comes to conveying yourself. Make eye contact when you speak and allow your hands to move when you talk.
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References
- ↑ https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/11/how-to-get-better-at-expressing-emotions/416493/
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
- ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-we-use-facial-expressions/
- ↑ Dan Klein. Storytelling Teacher. Expert Interview. 22 March 2019.
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorgan/2011/09/08/body-language-quick-takes-how-to-spot-openness/#65eabdb85b14
- ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z3c2yrd/revision/2
- ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 6 September 2018.
- ↑ https://health4u.msu.edu/articles/2017-how-was-your-day
- ↑ https://health4u.msu.edu/articles/2017-how-was-your-day
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/03/08/the-benefits-of-expressing-your-emotions/#95c99df4443d
- ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/why-compliments-make-us-feel-so-good-how-get-better-ncna1062546
- ↑ https://delawaretoday.com/life-style/health/how-constructively-confronting-our-emotions-can-make-us-happier/
- ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/work-communication-healthy-relationships
- ↑ https://medium.com/swlh/emotional-availability-in-relationships-and-why-its-crucial-for-true-closeness-14d585076f1
- ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 6 September 2018.
- ↑ https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you have difficulties showing your emotions, try to practice your emotions around friends you trust so you can let down your guard and see how it feels. For instance, play with emotional actions like facial expressions and hand gestures, such as punching in the air with your fist when you’re successful or doing a pouty frown when something disappoints you. As you feel more comfortable with these gestures, go on to try crying when you feel sad, even if you have to fake it at first so you can learn what it feels like. And as contradictory as it might seem, stay aware that there are still going to be times when it’s best to not show emotions, like during a work meeting so you’ll also need to judge carefully when it’s okay to show emotion. Keep reading for more advice from our Social Worker co-author, including how to acknowledge your emotions.
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