The Importance of the Emotion Mind in DBT

-


Understanding the Importance of the Emotion Mind in DBT

At West Midlands Hypnotherapy Centre, many of our clients come to us looking for ways to better understand and manage their emotions. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, low mood, or relationship difficulties, it often feels as though emotions take control before logic can step in. This is where the principles of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) can be particularly helpful.

While hypnotherapy works at a subconscious level to promote calm and clarity, DBT offers a practical framework for recognising how our emotions influence thoughts and actions. One key concept within DBT is the Emotion Mind — a state we all experience, but rarely stop to understand.

What Is the Emotion Mind?

The Emotion Mind is the state we enter when our feelings take over. Our emotions influence how we think, what we say, and how we behave. Logic often steps aside, and our reactions become led by the intensity of the moment.

When we’re in Emotion Mind, we might find ourselves acting impulsively, saying things we later regret, or feeling overwhelmed. Yet, it’s important to remember that Emotion Mind isn’t “bad.” It’s a natural and essential part of being human. Our emotions connect us to others, warn us of danger, and give our lives richness and meaning.

Why the Emotion Mind Matters

Many people initially want to “get rid of” strong emotions, believing calmness means not feeling. But in truth, our emotions are vital messages from our inner world — signals that guide us, motivate us, and help us adapt. DBT encourages us to understand these emotions rather than suppress them.

Here’s why Emotion Mind matters:

  1. Emotions connect us to others.
    They help us empathise, love, and build genuine relationships.

  2. Emotions motivate change.
    Feelings like anger, grief, or frustration often inspire growth or positive action.

  3. Emotions offer insight.
    They tell us what matters most and highlight where something in our lives needs attention.

Finding Balance with the Wise Mind

DBT teaches that balance comes from integrating Emotion Mind with Reasonable Mind — the logical, rational part of us that analyses facts and plans ahead. When these two work together, we access the Wise Mind — a calm, centred state that draws on both reason and emotion.

For example:

  • Emotion Mind might say, “I’m so upset, I’m quitting my job!”

  • Reasonable Mind might say, “That’s not practical, so I’ll just stay quiet.”

  • Wise Mind says, “I’m upset, but I’ll take time to calm down and discuss this properly tomorrow.”

Wise Mind helps us honour our emotions while still choosing actions that are effective and aligned with our goals.

Working with Emotion Mind in Therapy

At West Midlands Hypnotherapy Centre, we often combine hypnotherapy techniques with mindful awareness — similar to DBT principles — to help clients develop balance and control. With guided relaxation and focused attention, you can:

  • Recognise when you’re in Emotion Mind

  • Create space between feeling and reacting

  • Use calming techniques to regain control

  • Strengthen your connection to Wise Mind for better decision-making

Hypnotherapy supports this process by accessing the subconscious mind, helping new patterns of calm, understanding, and emotional resilience take root.

In Closing

Emotion Mind is not something to eliminate; it’s something to understand. By learning to listen to your emotions — instead of battling them — you gain deeper self-awareness, emotional strength, and peace of mind.

At West Midlands Hypnotherapy Centre, we help you find that balance, combining hypnotherapy with evidence-based approaches like DBT to guide you towards your Wise Mind — a place of clarity, calm, and confidence.

If you’d like to explore how hypnotherapy, DBT, and CBT can support your emotional balance and wellbeing, please get in touch with us today to arrange a confidential consultation.

👉 please contact us at birminghamcbt.co.uk 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Children Can Benefit from Tai Chi and Qigong

-
Image
  The Gentle Power: How Children Can Benefit from Tai Chi and Qigong In today’s fast-paced, tech-saturated world, children are often bombarded with constant stimulation, academic pressures, and a myriad of extracurricular commitments. Amid this whirlwind, practices like Tai Chi and Qigong offer a refreshing, grounding alternative that can significantly support a child’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. While often associated with older adults, these ancient Chinese practices are remarkably beneficial for children too. Their gentle, flowing movements, deep breathing, and focus on inner calm make them ideal for young minds and bodies navigating the demands of growing up. What Are Tai Chi and Qigong? Tai Chi is a form of martial art that focuses on slow, controlled movements and balance, often described as “meditation in motion.” Qigong , on the other hand, is an even older practice that combines movement, breathing techniques, and visualisation to cultivate and balance ...
Read more

Moving from the Inside Out: Understanding Motivation in Tai Chi & Qigong for Chronic Conditions

-
Image
Title: Moving from the Inside Out: Understanding Motivation in Tai Chi & Qigong for Chronic Conditions By Mark Peters When supporting people with chronic medical conditions to begin or maintain an active lifestyle, one of the most important—yet often overlooked—factors is motivation . Not just whether someone is motivated, but why they are. In the world of health behaviour change, we often distinguish between two types of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic . Both can play a role in encouraging participation in activities like Tai Chi and Qigong , but the balance between them often determines long-term success, especially for those managing ongoing health challenges. Extrinsic Motivation: Starting from the Outside Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards or pressures . For example: A doctor recommends more exercise. A physiotherapist sets a rehab goal. A family member signs someone up for a class. There's a certificate or prize at the end. Soc...
Read more

The benefits of practising Ba Duan Jin

-
Image
  The benefits of practising Ba Duan Jin   Ba Duan Jin, also known as the Eight Section Brocade, or eight strands of the brocade, is a traditional Chinese exercise that combines movement, breath control, and visualisation. Practising Ba Duan Jin regularly can offer a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Here are some of the potential benefits: 1.       Improves Flexibility and Range of Motion: The slow, controlled movements in Ba Duan Jin help to stretch and flex various muscle groups, promoting improved flexibility and joint mobility. 2.       Strengthens Muscles: While Ba Duan Jin is a low-impact exercise, it involves the use of different muscle groups, contributing to overall muscle strength and endurance. 3.       Enhances Balance and Coordination: The coordinated movements and shifting of body weight in Ba Duan Jin help improve balance and coordination, which is especially benefi...
Read more