Emotion Rituals: A Resource for Therapists and Clients

by McMillan; David

• ISBN13: 9780415952095
• ISBN10: 0415952093
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-12-14
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This book presents a novel concept of the interplay between thoughts and feelings, arguing that emotions are an integral part of the therapeutic process, which can affect the cognitive thought processes of a patient. Feelings create thoughts and feelings change feelings. McMillan draws from classic writings on emotion, current research and theory in the fields of neurochemistry and neuropsychology, and his own experience as a practitioner to explore an understanding of emotion in the context of CBT. This book proposes that real change can come about outside of the therapy hour, in a patient's daily life, through the use of rituals developed and practiced with the therapist. The use of emotion rituals allows the patient to take what she learns from therapy and apply it to her own life, furthering the change process and increasing the effectiveness of the next session. Through his unique writing style, which blends hard facts, sound theoretical discussion, and an easy conversational style, the author isable to present a new and complicated treatise in an eminently readable text. McMillan presents complex ideas through dialogue with patients, group therapy members, and colleagues, orienting the reader in a question-and-answer format that makes the material come alive.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xvii
Chapter 1 A Simple Notion	1	(20)
Chapter 2 How Emotions Work in the Brain and Body	21	(10)
Chapter 3 Using Ritual in Psychotherapy	31	(20)
Chapter 4 How the Mind Feels	51	(16)
The Basic Emotions
Chapter 5 Anger	67	(12)
The Most Dangerous Emotion
Chapter 6 Fear	79	(20)
The Most Avoidant Emotion
Chapter 7 Sadness	99	(14)
The Most Paralyzing Emotion
Chapter 8 Joy/Contentment	113	(24)
The Destination Emotion
Chapter 9 Interest/Desire/Excitement	137	(14)
The Emotions' Source of Positive Energy
Chapter 10 Shame/Guilt	151	(22)
The Most Instructive Emotion
Chapter 11 Surprise/Startle/Wonder	173	(16)
Emotions' Clutch
Chapter 12 Fatigue/Relaxation/Sleep/Trance	189	(14)
Emotions' Anesthesia
Chapter 13 Disgust/Contempt	203	(14)
The Discerning Emotion
Chapter 14 Empathy/Compassion/Tending	217	(12)
The Emotional Master Key
Chapter 15 Emotions	229	(12)
The Symphony of Psychotherapy
Notes	241	(2)
References	243	(10)
About the Author	253	(2)
Index	255