The feelings that occur during a group encounter can be intense and varied. Participants may experience joy, sadness, anger, fear, excitement, anxiety, or even boredom. These strong emotions can create an inner conflict that is difficult to manage. In this article, I will explore how individuals deal with these conflicting thoughts and feelings during a group session.
The Duality of Emotions
When experiencing powerful emotions, it's natural to have contradictory thoughts and feelings.
A participant may feel happy and excited when their partner says something positive about them but also nervous because they don't want to seem too eager for approval. They may question whether they deserve praise or if they should downplay their achievements. They may wonder what their partner really thinks of them or why they are being complimented. This dual nature of emotions can create confusion and make it hard to know how to respond.
The Inner Dialogue
During a group session, participants may engage in an internal dialogue where they try to reconcile the different emotions they are feeling. They might ask themselves questions like "Should I show my happiness?", "Do I want attention from my peers?", or "Am I worthy of love?" This self-reflection process can lead to greater understanding and clarity about one's own values and needs. It can also help individuals navigate social situations more effectively by identifying patterns and triggers.
Coping Mechanisms
Participants may use several coping mechanisms to handle intense emotions. Some people may withdraw and avoid expressing their feelings altogether. Others may lash out at others or engage in risky behaviors to mask their discomfort. Still, some may seek reassurance or validation from others. All these responses are valid but may not be helpful in the long run. Instead, it would be best to acknowledge and accept all the feelings that arise during the group encounter and work through them with support from the facilitator or other members.
Reaching Out
Reaching out for help is essential when dealing with strong emotions. Participants can share their thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend or family member outside the group setting. They can also speak to the group leader or fellow members who understand the experience. It's essential to have someone to talk to, whether it's a professional counselor or a close friend.
Experiencing conflicting emotions during a group session is natural and can be difficult to manage.
Individuals can cope by acknowledging and accepting all their feelings, seeking support, and engaging in self-reflection. With time and practice, participants can learn how to navigate their inner dialogue and come up with healthy ways of handling strong emotions.
What internal questions arise when participants experience strong emotional contrast within a single group encounter?
The participants may wonder if they are overreacting, whether they can handle their feelings, why they feel that way, what caused them to react emotionally, how others perceived their behavior, how it affects their relationships with other group members, whether it is appropriate to express their emotions in such settings, and if there were any specific triggers for their reactions.