Understanding Emotions as an alternative to diagnosis: Emotionally – focused interventions for young people and adults

This webinar outlines a novel approach to understanding and supporting people with emotional difficulties. It begins with an understanding of emotions as normal human phenomena that serve important functions in our lives, at the individual and societal level.  It moves on to show how difficulties with emotions can be understood as emotional 'traps', that are maintained by problematic ways of responding to emotions, and how evidence-based interventions can help people get out of these 'traps'.

The approach is consistent with CBT and has been described as a "developmentally attuned approach, which is transdiagnostic and, with its primary focus on emotions, is better targeted than traditional CBT for young people" by Professor Patrick McGorry (Professor of Youth Mental Health) and as a "paradigm shift" by Professor Jamie Hacker Hughes (Past President of the BPS).

The approach enables psychologists and other professionals to provide evidence-based support and intervention to people without using the diagnostic model, psychiatric labels or terms of illness. It is a normalising approach that aims to encourage people to view themselves as fundamentally similar to others and to make changes to how they respond to emotions to bring about the changes they want in their lives.

Target Audience 

The webinar will be of interest to anybody using psychological ideas in their work, ranging from clinicians working with clients, to those working in education and social care.

It would interest, in particular, those uncomfortable with using the diagnostic model in their work and looking for alternative approaches, whether entering the profession or seasoned professionals