logo
episode-header-image
Sep 12
43m 23s

How to Feel your Feelings: Step-by-Step ...

Therapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdam
About this episode

Together we're going to do a Meditation for Emotions with Mindfulness Instructor Thomas McConkie. We're going to talk about how to work with the embodiment of emotions and how to create space for all our feelings, even the ones that are painful or frightening. You can learn more about Thomas' classes and workshops here: https://lowerlightswisdom.org/

Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

This exercise we’re about to do together is, in my opinion, life changing. It will fundamentally change how you interact with painful thoughts and emotions. You’ll practice creating space for them so that you can be less reactive and more intentional in your actions. It’s a powerful, transformative exercise. And, at the same time, it’s not difficult to practice. It’s a simple skill, and I’ve invited mindfulness expert Thomas McConkie to join us to teach it. As this exercise is designed to work with disturbances, or uncomfortable emotions, it’s going to be a little uncomfortable. But if you find yourself getting overwhelmed, feel free to take a break, do something comforting, and then come back to this exercise when you have more resources. We’re going to do a little introduction. Then we’ll do the exercise, which is about 12 minutes, then I’m going to debrief my experience with Thomas, because each time I do this exercise, something inside of me changes, but the first couple times it was pretty mind-blowing for me.

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books 

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

Up next
Oct 3
Armoring - How Trauma Gets Embodied as Tension, Chronic Pain, Jumpiness or Emotional Walls
When we understand how trauma shows up in the body, armoring is an important aspect. It includes muscle tension, chronic pain, and constant hypervigilance. Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership FREE Grou ... Show More
19m 33s
Sep 26
Healing from Childhood Trauma - w/ Past Tense Author Sacha Mardou
Sacha Mardou wrote/drew an amazing book about healing from childhood trauma and her work in therapy, specifically IFS or Internal Family Systems Therapy. Sacha's website: https://ifscomics.com/ Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.thera ... Show More
40m 42s
Sep 23
A nerdy deep dive into ADHD and Anxiety
Let’s talk about the link between Anxiety and ADHD—how executive function challenges fuel both conditions and how you can improve anxiety with an ADHD approach. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Down ... Show More
29m 40s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 19
Expand Your Perspective & Improve Your Mental Health With a Simple Therapy Tool
Tired of trying to think your way out of overthinking?Let me show you what actually works—in less than 30 minutes.Get immediate access to a free class now.Sometimes we get stuck in one way of seeing things—and it makes life feel smaller and harder than it needs to be. In this epi ... Show More
7m 58s
Sep 26
Travel Helps Your Mental Health; Get The Benefits Without Leaving Home With A Lesson in Presence and Gratitude
Tired of trying to think your way out of overthinking?Let me show you what actually works—in less than 30 minutes.Get immediate access to a free class now.Switching things up is one of the best ways to grow. In this episode, you’ll learn how new experiences wake up the brain, why ... Show More
10m 6s
Sep 1
When Shame Shows Up; A Therapy Method For Inner Peace When Doing Personal Growth Work
Tired of trying to think your way out of overthinking?Let me show you what actually works—in less than 30 minutes.Get immediate access to a free class now.In this mini session, you'll discover why looking inward can feel so uncomfortable and one powerful way to quiet the shame an ... Show More
5m 42s
Aug 29
Why Focusing On Other People Leads to Burnout & A Therapy Method To Self Reflect, Improve Mental Health
Tired of trying to think your way out of overthinking?Let me show you what actually works—in less than 30 minutes.Get immediate access to a free class now.Always waiting for other people to change? That’s the fastest road to resentment and emotional chaos. In this episode Rebecca ... Show More
20m 2s
Feb 2025
258 | "No, Self Compassion Won't Make You Lazy" & 3 Journal Prompts to Reach Your Top Personal Growth Goals With Less Stress & Anxiety
ACTIVATE: THE MEMBERSHIP |ACTIVATE is your go to hub for tools & community to help you regulate your nervous system, create healthy daily habits & become your best self through faith, mental wellness & yoga.Throughout the month, you get journal prompts, audio trainings, breathing ... Show More
19m 57s
Jul 2023
185 // My 2 Step Process to Go From Over-Committing & People Pleasing to Saying No & Setting Self Love Filled Boundaries Respectfully & With Confidence
Hey love, in today's episode I'm going to share with you the most practical 2 step process to stop autopiloting to saying YES to all the things & start moving into setting genuinely healthy boundaries.   Your time and your energy is precious. We are meant to steward it & ... Show More
10m 52s
Jan 2024
How to Rewire Your Brain with Positive Self Talk with Lisa Mustard
In this episode I explore the transformative power of positive self-talk and its impact on mental health and emotional well-being. I dive into the nuances of nurturing a positive inner dialogue while cautioning against the pitfalls of toxic positivity. Before jumping into the mai ... Show More
12m 54s
Sep 15
How To Heal Anxiety: A Therapy Framework To Go From Overthinking And Overwhelmed to Calm
Tired of trying to think your way out of overthinking?Let me show you what actually works—in less than 30 minutes.Get immediate access to a free class now.Struggling with anxiety, overthinking, or feeling stuck on edge?You’re not broken—your nervous system is just running on over ... Show More
11m 12s
Jan 2025
257 | 2 Journaling Prompts to Step Into What God Has For You Today: Giving Yourself Permission to Evolve, Grow & Step Into Your Purpose
ACTIVATE: THE MEMBERSHIP |Imagine starting 2025 with a hype squad & resource library dedicated to helping you regulate your nervous system, build you mental wellness toolkit & become your best self.Throughout the month, we have a live call every week: a goal setting journaling se ... Show More
13m 5s
Jul 9
268 | 3 Psychology Backed Steps to Rewire Your Brain & Step Into Your God Given Confidence & Identity
ACTIVATE: THE MEMBERSHIP |The online community & resource hub where faith, mental wellness & nervous system regulation come together to help you conquer overwhelm, create daily healthy habits & start living your best life.Join ACTIVATE here!SUBMIT A QUESTION TO THE PODCAST |Ask D ... Show More
9m 14s