A Nonjudgmental Attitude: The Lie of Positive and Negative Emotions: Process Your Emotions 2/30

Get the course: How to Process Your Emotions

Many of us think of emotions as either "good"/"positive" or "bad"/"negative." But this view of emotions is inaccurate and unhelpful. In this video, you will learn how to stop judging your emotions and start describing them instead. This nonjudgmental attitude has been shown to help with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC, and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.

About Me:
I’m Emma McAdam. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I have worked in various settings of change and growth since 2004. My experience includes juvenile corrections, adventure therapy programs, wilderness therapy programs, an eating disorder treatment center, a residential treatment center, and I currently work in an outpatient therapy clinic.

In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC
----

[milwaukeebuds]

This same thing would have costed 400 bucks to hear from my therapist. Thank you for your service to others.

[nicoleonfeels]

Talk to yourself like you would a good friend - all emotions are normal and valid.

[bluegypsy]

I was very repressed by strict overprotective parents, so much so that I’ve internalized a lot of anger & was always the human doormat, even now I feel a lot of guilt/shame & second guess my emotions, it led to poor decisions.

[LittleMew]

"IDK we'll see" - my current motto

[actsrv]

I used to think I had high emotional intelligence till I saw a few of these videos.
I'm dumb as a rock about emotions, but it's never too late to learn :)

[ericafrances]

I really appreciate how relatable and real you are. You're such a treasure. Thank you.

[rklos]

She's a gem, ain't she? Thanks for all you do ✌❤

[PeaceboneGotFound]

I love this series. Thank you so much for releasing it for free to the public. Know that you are helping tons of people, and leveling the playing field for those who may not be able to afford plenty of psych classes, but still want to learn for their personal health!

[rocking]

"Thinking is difficult. That's why most people Judge" - Carl Jung. Thanks Emma this is very helpful!

[dbunnysport]

I cannot believe this. I’ve been in and out of therapy since I was in jr high. (I’m 53 now) I am on meds for anxiety. I’m overwhelmed and can’t stop crying or be overly emotional without then. The world would literally feel like sand paper.

I’ve been working hard on myself recently and found this video series. I’m really hopeful to continue and work through it all.

I’m so so so thankful to have found you. And thank you for offering these on youtube.

Im feeling hopeful! 💞

[cassieoz]

I could never see anger as a primary emotion. It generally comes out of vulnerability; hurt, fear, shame, disappointment... Identifying which of these preceded or precipitated the 'anger leaves you more options for dealing with it

[johnnywishbone]

I had a huge anxiety attack yesterday. I woke up today with a little fear. This video helped me process think of a response and make a positive response. Yes. I do not like feeling afraid but I am happy because it’s ok to feel that way! Now I am happy because instead of dwelling I can smile and move on!

Be bold as lions in your walk today! ✝️❤️

[Katgirl]

After ignoring myself for years, I’m slowly working through these videos. They are fantastic. Thank you!!

[melbblogger]

"Many of us have been taught... to never make anyone else feel bad..."

*intense revelation*

[sarahcouture]

I really appreciate this video! You did a great job at describing why it’s not helpful to classify unpleasant emotions as bad. Thanks for explaining why toxic positivity doesn’t work, and why we need to be honest with ourselves and be real with our emotions.

[capricecraigmill]

We should all come together ❤ for this Gem 💎 and send her some blessings and an abundance of love 💘

[jerrygrant]

I am being as candid as possible, I am a black female who have been in therapy for a minute. All I have ever asked for was tools to handle the experiences and I have never been provided them. I am truly thankful and I have watched a few of your videos and I have been able to assess myself, name the feeling and I am learning a lot more. I truly appreciate you. I pray that God bless you and your family.

Thank you!

[beckymesky]

I’ve been afraid that some emotions would over take me. Knowing that they are normal and God made them as part of life, has taught me I can still experience them and move through them. They aren’t contaminated emotions

[susiec]

"The more we suppress emotions, the more likely it is that our life is gonna not line up with the life we want"
This was a lightbulb moment for me. Thank you for making this invaluable information available for free!

[bcburt]

I believe that anger is a huuge baddie! I get scared, even terrified into paralysis, when someone around me gets angry. As for myself, I stuff anger until I eventually explode in a verbal tirade. Also, I see fear and insecurity as unacceptable. I remember a family member scolding me for showing my fear, and that incident has really stuck with me. I find sadness quite acceptable, even poetic, but I withhold myself from expressing it to others because I am scared they will not care or respect my very intense emotions. I see as good emotions courage, confidence, and contentment. Although I rarely experience such feelings nowadays, I believe deep down that these are the only ones I can feel comfortable and safe expressing to myself and to others.