Navigating Emotionally Unverbalized Patients in Therapy

Working with patients who struggle to describe their feelings can be a challenge for therapists and psychologists. This article explores common strategies and techniques used to help such patients overcome the barriers to emotional expression. It discusses the reasons behind emotional unverbalization and how therapists can facilitate the process of emotional recognition and articulation.

The Prevalence and Complexity of Emotional Unverbalization

Emotional unverbalization, or the difficulty in describing one's feelings into words, is a phenomenon that therapists often encounter. While it is not a common issue, it is one that can significantly impact the therapeutic process. Emotionally unverbalized patients may make up 20-25% of those a therapist sees. This difficulty in articulating emotions can stem from various factors, including past emotional trauma, upbringing in unsupportive environments, or a lack of vocabulary to describe complex feelings.

Strategies for Recognizing and Naming Emotions

One of the most effective strategies for addressing emotional unverbalization involves focusing on bodily sensations. Many emotional experiences are felt physically, particularly in the chest, throat, and stomach. By directing a patient's attention to these areas, therapists can help them identify and connect with their unverbalized emotions.

Focusing on Physical Sensations

Therapists can guide their patients to focus on their body, encouraging them to describe what they are experiencing:

Encourage the patient to pay attention to physical sensations in the chest, throat, and stomach.

Ask them to describe what they are feeling, using words like "tension," "anxiety," "fear," "dread," "anger," or "grief."

Use mnemonics and word associations to help them link their physical sensations to specific emotions.

Using Additional Tools for Emotion Recognition

When traditional methods prove ineffective, therapists can employ other strategies:

Mood boards: Collaborate with the patient to create visual representations of their emotions.

Emoticons: Utilize emoticons or emojis to help patients express and identify their emotions.

Body work: For those who have experienced trauma, gentle bodywork can help them reconnect with their emotions in a safe and controlled environment.

The Psychology Behind Emotional Unverbalization

The difficulty in verbalizing emotions is not merely a linguistic issue but is rooted in deeper psychological and emotional processes. Here are some insights into why patients may struggle with emotional expression:

Early Trauma and Emotional Wounding

Those who experienced early trauma or emotional wounding may have learned to suppress their emotions. In such cases, the psyche has learned to lock away these feelings to protect itself from further emotional distress. These individuals may resort to numbing behaviors such as alcohol consumption, overeating, shopping, or oversleeping to avoid dealing with their emotions.

The Importance of Emotional Connection

While avoiding emotions can provide temporary relief, it also leaves individuals unable to navigate their daily lives with meaning and purpose. Learning to reconnect with and cope with emotions is crucial for overall well-being. Techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises can help individuals process and manage their emotions in a healthier way.

Seeking Additional Support

For some patients, additional support may be necessary. In these cases, referring to specialized practitioners or practitioners with expertise in specific areas can be beneficial. For those dealing with severe trauma or complex emotional issues, bodywork from a trained therapist can be particularly effective. It is important to work with qualified professionals who can provide the appropriate level of support.

Conclusion

Emotional unverbalization is a significant challenge for both therapists and patients. However, with the right strategies and tools, therapists can help their patients overcome this barrier and improve their emotional well-being. By focusing on physical sensations, utilizing creative tools, and understanding the underlying psychological factors, therapists can facilitate a deeper and more meaningful therapeutic process.