Catharsis: what it is and how it works in psychology

We have been raised to believe that maintaining control is the key, that showing vulnerability is weakness. Thus, we present ourselves to the world with practiced smiles, hiding the internal storms that afflict us. But there comes a crucial moment when the emotional dam breaks: catharsis.

The relevance of understanding and applying catharsis in our lives is undoubted. By challenging the conventional notion of suppressing our emotional responses as the only way, you will discover how allowing yourself to experience and process these emotions can have a monumental impact on mental and emotional health. But how does psychology explain this phenomenon?

Catharsis for psychology

In psychology, catharsis refers to the process by which we purge those negative emotions. It is like opening a window in our soul, releasing the conflicts and negative emotions that have lasted, opening the way to healthier, lighter and more relaxed states.

This term has its roots deep in Aristotle. The Greek philosopher coined this expression to define the very purpose of tragedy in the performing arts. In essence, he defined catharsis as that mechanism by which we can purify ourselves on an emotional, mental and spiritual level.

Thus, People, by getting involved in the plot of these plays, could also redeem their own problems.. It would then be enough to identify with the main characters of these stories to reconsider, feel, reflect and, ultimately, even release our own conflicts.

Centuries later, Sigmund Freud and Joseph Breuer rescued that idea to define what they called “the cathartic method.” in the psychoanalytic approach. It is a therapeutic strategy through which repressed emotions are brought to light through hypnosis or therapy itself. To do this, it was necessary to “unlock” memories, open those psychological trapdoors under which we often hide many of our problems.

Now, today, and leaving psychoanalysis aside, it should be said that we continue to use this term commonly in many psychological contexts. Let’s see more data about it.

Catharsis in psychology, key to the therapeutic process

Sometimes, we barely allow ourselves time to process certain experiences and heal frustrations. We do it this way not only because we do not have that private space of time, but because We don’t really know what to do with many of the things that happen to us.. Nobody has taught us how to handle these experiences and at the same time, we are characterized by some incompetence when it comes to emotions.

At this point it becomes vitally important the therapeutic process, where catharsis is the key to reducing adverse emotional effects. Which is an essential moment where to release that accumulation of conflicting tensions. Emotions emerge chaotically sometimes, perhaps through tears, perhaps through indignant rage or sadness that, little by little, finds the right words to express itself.

So, after remove the bottle cap to allow all internal conflict to pour out, analysis arrives. That part where emotional purification must transcend towards the search for an explanation, towards the clarification of the problem. After reaching an authentic understanding of what is happening to us, the mechanisms of change come into action.

Purifying emotions, a whole art

Is in that part of the therapeutic process where the professional has an immense and essential responsibility. You must welcome, break down and redirect to achieve change. Because purifying is knowing how to transform, heal and oxygenate. Catharsis in psychology is an art that the therapist must know how to control and direct.

All controlled expression is therapeutic and liberating. And this means accepting emotions, talking about them and not hiding them. We call this emotional intelligence. Today, we know that Catharsis is a strategy for the development of this and cognitive skills.

In psychology, the catharsis It was a determining tool for Freud. Later, it was also the same for other references such as Jacob Levy Moreno with his technique of psychodrama, where the release of emotions is carried out individually or in a group through theatrical exercises.

Catharsis, today

Today, it is often said that many television and film productions also act as cathartic channels through which we purge part of our conflicting emotions. Thus, and according to that modern theory of catharsis, Action or horror movies would be those frameworks where we can also tune in to our fears or aggressive drives.

Another innovative alternative are rooms intended for the release of anger and crying. These spaces provide a safe and controlled environment where people can express their intense emotions.

Social media can also serve as a means of catharsis, allowing people to release repressed emotions or share their personal experiences with a wider audience. However, it is crucial to consider that this option can be a complex process, as online visibility and interaction can lead to varied responses, including criticism.

Final considerations

Not everyone agrees with these ideas. However, it is always advisable to open internal windows to air out spaces where those adverse emotions accumulate.

This cathartic explosion is necessary for “emotional health”if we reach this level of emotional denial. Doing it in therapy provides a safe and structured way to explore our emotions, understanding their origins and effects on our daily lives.

The therapist acts as a guide providing tools to confront and process emotions, what in the end leads to greater self-knowledge, personal growth and lasting well-being.

After all, life needs momentum and the right weight to find its place at the summit of well-being. Psychological catharsis, as well as specialized professionals, can help us with this.

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