ABSTRACT
Different theoretical models lead to different conceptualization of the individual. This chapter describes how the Emotional Schema model elaborates a conceptualization of the individual’s emotional, behavioural, interpersonal and cognitive functioning. Beginning with an evolutionary description of how emotions evolved to protect and assure survival of the genes, emotions are normalized as universal responses. Attention to and labelling of emotions is an important component of this since some clients may have difficulty recognizing their emotional experience. Another level of conceptualization is the socialization experience and the significant events that have given rise to particular emotions. Beliefs about emotion, problematic rules for emotions and problematic strategies for coping with emotion are described. Safety behaviours about emotion and cognitive style (e.g., rumination, worry) are also described. The consequences of problematic and adaptive strategies are outlined.
