Emotional Intelligence

Overview of Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is a relatively new area of study that focuses on a people’s ability to feel, recognize, communicate, respond to and understand their own emotions. An emotionally intelligent person, for example, recognizes when he or she feels angry, and knows that it is best to calm down before speaking. An emotionally intelligent person would also recognize that he or she is feeling stressed, and take measures to manage stress – such as asking for help, or taking a break from working.

Everyone has some degree of emotional intelligence; it isn’t an either/or quality. However, some people are naturally very emotionally intelligent, while others (probably most people) may find that at least some of the time, emotions may become overwhelming, cause them to act or speak in ways they later regret, interfere with communication and relationships, or otherwise cause difficulties. For some people, these difficulties can be persistent and cause major problems at work or at home.

The good news is that research indicates emotional intelligence can be measured and improved to some degree. A therapist can help to improve one’s ability to recognize, understand and deal with emotions in productive ways.

There is no particular diagnosis associated with (a lack of) emotional intelligence, although a range of disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and personality disorders, could be associated with a need to improve emotional intelligence. In fact, any disorder will be more manageable if a person has a high level of emotional intelligence, and any disorder will be more devastating if emotional intelligence is not cultivated.

Case Example of Emotional Intelligence:

Keith, 27, is referred by his employer for 8 sessions with an Employee Assistance Program consultant, because he is not getting along with his coworkers. Keith speaks impulsively, takes criticism poorly, argues with his peers and supervisors, and fails to complete tasks he begins. The therapist provides him with an emotional intelligence self-test, which reveals to Keith that he is not in touch with his own emotions and does not know how to manage his feelings. Keith is able to begin learning these skills in therapy, and gradually becomes more self-aware. After 8 sessions, Keith is referred for on-going treatment with another therapist to more deeply explore the origins of his emotional challenges.

Therapy for Emotional Intelligence: There is a wide range of Psychotherapy Treatment Models or types of therapy used in the treatment of emotional intelligence. Most of these approaches fall into three historic camps of psychology: Psychoanalytic / Psychodynamic approaches; Behaviorism and; Humanism. Regardless of the type of therapy, there are some generally agreed upon elements of healthy therapy which are universal to all forms of psychotherapy. Before beginning therapy for emotional intelligence or any other issue, it is helpful to familiarize oneself with these elements.

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Emotional Intelligence Article Summaries