‘Emotional Awareness’ Workshops
When a parent asked me what would be involved in the Emotional Awareness Workshop for parents and kids, this is what I shared…
Emotional awareness is about knowing, understanding and sensing that feelings are there in themselves, and in others. It’s slightly different to emotional literacy which is about being able to articulate the feelings, but they are also closely related/similar and they are both extremely valuable in our social connections and our ability to meet our own needs.
There are a number of reasons that adults and kids may struggle with emotional awareness - here are a few examples:
Alexithymia - some people, often but not always, neurodivergent folks, struggle to sense and name their feelings. This isn’t a deficit, it is linked to their neurobiology, part of our neurodivergence as a whole. Put another way, it’s a difference among us.
Trauma - sometimes, hard times can leave the person disconnecting from their feelings and perhaps even feeling numb. This isn’t done consciously, but as a means of getting through the hard time/s
Cultural differences - some cultures (including family cultures) encourage emotion and some may consider it a weakness
Gender - stereotypically, girls are given more permission to feel and are encouraged to be aware of the feelings of others, whereas boys are discouraged to express some feelings and encouraged/permitted to feel a small range of feelings, such as anger
And it can be as simple as genetics - the way in which our genes are expressed is influenced by a wide range of factors.
So what do the Emotional Awareness Workshops offer?
Using play, mindfulness and visualisations, for example, we will create opportunities to explore ways to connect and listen in, to listen to your bodies and hear the stories your minds create. Developing language, connection with self and each-other, all whilst developing the neural networks for emotion, expression and self-awareness. It’s all powerful stuff.
Doesn’t emotional Awareness develop naturally?
Yes, often it can and does. Attending emotional awareness workshops isn’t only a good idea if there’s a problem, it’s just a good idea. I won’t launch into a political rant here, but I need to be a little political to explain.
Our culture here in the UK, is fast paced and gives positive validation to those who work harder and faster. Social media and the internet gives instant gratification and all of this leaves us looking and relating to the things outside of our own bodies. It doesn’t leave us bored (triggering creativity), feeling the impact of sadness or loneliness and it means we don’t really get to see and feel how people really are.
Taking the time to play, to practice mindfulness and slow down helps balance the impact that life can have on us. They provide dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin - the neurotransmitters responsible for motivation, emotion and affection and connection.
There’s an emphasis on connection in the workshops…
As a mother of two, I experience the challenge of spending time with my children with the million and one things that I need to do. As a psychotherapist, I often hear how people aren’t able to connect with their loved ones, how they want to. I combine both of these observations and therefore all the workshops for parents and their kids have an emphasis on connection.
What will you get from attending?
First and foremost you will have fun with your loved ones. You’ll have fun and you will feel a deeper connection with them too. In the two hours you’re with us, you have nowhere else to be, nothing else to do - but to show up and receive.
You'll get fed! There will be snacks and drinks available, and you will complete an accessibility form before attending, so if you or your little ones have safe foods or dietary needs - I will do my best to make sure you are catered for.
You will have a safe space to be together. The space will be inclusive, created for those with sensory needs and led by ‘what feels nice and right’.
You will get to explore each other - what do you like and what don’t you like? This could be music, movement, food, smells, pressure on your body - who knows what will come up, but you will have fun exploring each other, and yourselves!
You will see yourself in others and you will also hold the mirror up for others attending - groups have a powerful impact on our physiology, think stress - group connection that is safe and led by you, reduces the impact and symptoms of stress, and that’s just one offering!
These are a few of the things I anticipate you receiving, but my experience of facilitating groups tells me I can never encapsulate all that is available for you to receive - it unfolds naturally - I’m not in control of that bit; I follow it.
Where are when are they held?
Great question, with no simple answer. Depending on interest, the location may change, they will however, always be in the school holidays (Hull and East Yorkshire) and they will be face-to-face.
Where can I sign up or express my interest?
For now, you can express your interest for future workshops here.