Therapist Materials for the Natural Function of Emotions

The session covered in this chapter looks at the natural, adaptive, helpful function of different emotions. Though emotions are not necessarily serving an adaptive or helpful function when someone has an emotional disorder, it is useful to understand that every emotion does have a useful purpose in nature. Knowing the function of the emotion can help clients understand why they are having certain emotions at certain times. Emotions such as fear, sadness, anxiety, anger, guilt, and disgust are discussed. In this session, clients also explore the function of internal physical sensations, with the aim of understanding that while sensations may be uncomfortable, they are not dangerous.