Controlling Emotions: The Key to Effective Psychologist Role
Understanding and managing emotions is fundamental for anyone aspiring to become a psychologist. While the ability to control one's emotions can signal a lack of self-control, it is essential to recognize that managing emotions appropriately can lead to greater success in both personal and professional life.
Importance of Emotional Management
People who effectively manage their emotions, and display appropriate emotions in a given situation, are often more successful. They are well-liked, trusted, and believed in. However, it’s not always easy to change one's emotional state, especially when one's emotions differ greatly from those around them. In such cases, being perceived as lacking empathy or emotionally distant or depressed can be detrimental to one's success.
Reflecting the emotions of others can often foster connection and understanding. Therefore, it is crucial for psychologists to learn how to control and express emotions effectively.
Techniques for Emotional Control
Recall Relevant Emotional Moments
Reflecting on moments in your life when you experienced the emotion you want to convey can be a powerful tool. By reliving those moments in your mind, you can observe how this shift impacts your demeanor.
Evoke Happiness Through Imagination
If your goal is to induce happiness, try to imagine being surrounded by people you love. Even the thought of them can bring a smile to your face and uplift your mood. This technique can be particularly useful in challenging situations.
Leverage Your Imagination Instead of Force
Telling yourself to feel or not to feel certain emotions is rarely effective. Instead, use the power of imagination to guide your emotional state. This method has been successfully used by Josephine Baker, a celebrated dancer, singer, and actress. She created her own mental sanctuary filled with marvelous, delightful, and entertaining scenarios, allowing her to live in a state of joy created by her imagination.
Emotional Control is Not Over-Correction
It is important to recognize that emotional control is not about over-correcting. Emotions are gifts that should be used to our benefit and should not be overly controlled. Laugh, cry, emote and get angry when it helps you but does no harm to others. Just as food is necessary for fuel and enjoyment but abusing food leads to sickness, bad health, misery, and death, emotions, when managed appropriately, can bring balance and well-being.
A simple metaphor might involve food. We need it for fuel and enjoyment but abusing food leads to sickness, bad health, misery, and death. Similarly, emotional control is the key to a balanced and fulfilling life.
In psychology, practicing emotional regulation techniques can help manage emotions effectively. Techniques include mindfulness, deep breathing, cognitive restructuring, changing thought patterns, and seeking social support. Developing self-awareness and understanding triggers are also vital for effective emotional control.