ABSTRACT
Many clients may have problematic views regarding expression—or the inability to express—emotions. This chapter describes problems that may arise when the individual fails to express emotions due to fears that emotions are shameful, out of control or will not be validated. While recognizing the value of expression, the Emotional Schema model also acknowledges that clients may sometimes have problematic styles of expression, including overt rumination, complaining, escalating and intensifying. Beliefs about the entitlement to express any emotion in any way are examined in light of the consequences of intensification and expressive rumination resulting in interpersonal rejection. Guidelines for emotionally intelligent sharing of emotions are described.
