Catharsis in psychology refers to the emotional and psychological release experienced by a person as a result of expressing and processing their repressed feelings or past traumas. In fact, catharsis is considered a beneficial therapeutic process because it allows people to confront and process unresolved emotions and conflicts, which in turn alleviates psychological distress and promotes greater self-knowledge.
The reality is that sometimes things happen that cause emotional damage, and those emotions are there whether we express them or not. Repressing emotions for a long period of time causes emotional catharsis. In this Psychology-Online article, we tell you what the catharsis in psychology: meaning and examples.
What is catharsis in psychology
In psychology, catharsis refers to a therapeutic process in which a person experiences an intense, cleansing emotional release by expressing and processing repressed feelings, internal conflicts, or past traumas. The goal of catharsis is allow the person to vent emotionallywhich can lead to relief from psychological discomfort and promote greater well-being.
Catharsis is based on the idea that repressing negative emotions and experiences can be detrimental to mental health. By giving voice and expression to these repressed feelings, it is possible to release accumulated emotional tension and move towards psychological improvement.
In the case of involving others in the catharsis process, you have to do it carefully so that you do not pay with them for that accumulation of emotions that you have. For this, you can consult this article on .
Importance of catharsis in psychology
Catharsis has been considered important in the field of psychology for several reasons:
- emotional release: Catharsis allows people to release repressed emotions, such as pain, anger, sadness or . By expressing these emotions and giving them space to be acknowledged and processed, significant emotional relief can be experienced.
- Psychological tension discharge: The accumulation of repressed emotions and internal conflicts can generate great psychological tension. Catharsis in psychology provides a means to release that pent-up tension, which can help reduce stress, anxiety, and other associated psychological symptoms.
- Self-knowledge and clarity– By exploring and expressing repressed emotions, catharsis can help people better understand their own experiences, thoughts, and behavioral patterns. Through this process, greater clarity can be gained about the underlying causes of emotional and psychological problems, which in turn can facilitate personal growth and positive change.
- Trauma integration and processing: Catharsis in psychology may be especially relevant in the treatment of past traumas. By allowing people to share and express their traumatic experiences, the opportunity is created to process and work through the emotional and cognitive impacts of trauma. This can help reduce PTSD symptoms and promote recovery.
- Strengthening the therapeutic bond: Catharsis can occur within the context of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. By experiencing emotional release in the presence of an empathetic and understanding therapist, you can strengthen this relationship and promote a sense of emotional support.
It is important to note that catharsis is not necessary or appropriate for all individuals or situations. Some people may find other therapeutic approaches more effective, and It is essential to adapt the therapeutic approach to the unique needs and characteristics of each person.
How catharsis works in psychology
There may be different ways to do catharsis in psychology. Below, we explain how catharsis works in the context of therapy:
- Creating a safe environment: For catharsis to be effective, it is crucial that the person feels safe and supported. The therapist establishes a safe and confidential therapeutic environment, where the individual feels comfortable to open up emotionally without fear of being judged or rejected.
- Exploration of emotions and traumas: The patient engages in a deep emotional exploration, where they are encouraged to identify, recognize and verbalize repressed emotions and experiences. This involves talking freely about traumatic events, intense feelings, or internal conflicts that have been present but have not been adequately processed.
- emotional expression: Catharsis in psychology involves the free and authentic expression of repressed emotions. This can manifest itself through tears, facial expressions, gestures, words, or even body movements.
- emotional discharge and release: As the person expresses their emotions, an intense emotional discharge and a feeling of release occurs. This involves letting out the accumulated ones, which can lead to emotional relief and a decrease in psychological tension.
- Processing and understanding– As catharsis occurs, the individual can begin to more deeply process and understand the causes and implications of their repressed emotions and experiences. The therapist should guide this reflection process and provide emotional support and additional perspectives.
- Integration and change– As the patient processes and understands their repressed emotions, they can begin to integrate this new information into their life and make positive changes. This may include developing healthy coping strategies, changing negative beliefs and attitudes, and promoting greater emotional and psychological well-being.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
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