ABSTRACT
As described earlier, the Emotional Schema model stresses the universal nature of a wide range of emotions. In this chapter the therapeutic strategies for universalizing and normalizing emotions are described. Emotions are linked to evolutionary adaptation, analogies with emotions described in literature, movies and songs are provided. In addition this chapter describes how the client can compare their emotions with the full range of emotions experienced by others that the client may know. Universalizing emotions can assist in developing more acceptance, less shame and more self-compassion for one’s emotional experience. Moreover, recognizing that others have gone through these experiences may help in recognizing that emotions can be tolerated and that one can “pass through” what one is experiencing in the present moment. Finally, universalizing emotions can reduce the shame, guilt and sense of uniqueness of one’s emotional experience.
