13/08/2026
Sometimes we know we’re feeling something but finding the words can be surprisingly difficult. 💚
In therapy, we often explore the idea that many of our emotional experiences can be understood through a small number of core emotions:
Hurt • Sadness • Anger • Fear • Shame • Joy • Surprise
This beautiful image was created by a client after exploring this idea in session. By distilling our experiences down to the core it can be easier to understand them and share them, reducing their burden or sharing the experience.
Perhaps the question isn't:
"Why am I feeling like this?"
but first:
"What am I actually feeling?"
From there, we can become curious about what sits underneath the emotion, what we might need, and how we can communicate that to someone else.
Emotional awareness is a skill, and like any skill, it can be developed with practice.
All feelings are valid. All feelings are welcome here. 💚 Are there any emotions you experience that you think couldn't be described by those in this image? Share with us below.
