Changing emotion with emotion

ABSTRACT

This paper provides an overview of an Emotion Focused theoretical framework of human functioning based on the primacy of affect. This is followed by a brief review of the fundamental principles of Emotion Focused Therapy practice. A survival and growth tendency is seen as the main human motivational system, and emotion is seen as in-born and evolutionarily developed, to promote survival and growth. Emotion is seen as more basic than motivation, and therefore more fundamental than either the actualizing tendency or an attachment motive. The latter motivations are both seen as being driven by emotion. Having discussed the nature of emotional functioning the paper concludes by discussing principles of emotional change, and how to work with emotion to change emotion.

KEYWORDS:

• Emotion
• actualizing
• schemes
• needs

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).