ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a methodological definition of “emotional” growth. The authors explore why the term “emotional growth” is not currently in common use by way of challenging and deconstructing our common assumptions about emotions and emotionality. They include challenges coming from neuroscience and social constructionism. Examples are included of what emotional growth can look like and radical acceptance is discussed as a precondition for such growth. This chapter introduces philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein’s influence on social therapeutics in seeing language as an activity. With language as the key ingredient in emotional growth, the authors show the role it plays in challenging assumptions and meaning-making. An important distinction is made between social therapeutics “creating the conditions” and coaching’s “creating the container.” Finally, this chapter builds with the social therapeutic concepts introduced in previous chapters and illustrates the fusion of Lev Vygotsky, Ludwig Wittgenstein and the tools of theater in its practice of method.
