Final answer:
Directly working with emotion in therapy is beneficial because it helps maintain mental homeostasis, provides clarity for better decision-making, and offers a deeper understanding of emotional experiences leading to effective coping mechanisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is helpful to work directly with emotion in therapy for several reasons. First, emotions play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the brain, as described by Damasio. By influencing neurotransmitters, emotions aid in balancing physiological states and impacting behavior.
Working with emotion therapeutically can help individuals restore balance and enhance wellbeing. Second, emotions can be powerful drivers of behavior and cognition, according to Lazarus's cognitive-mediational theory.
Acknowledging and processing emotions in therapy can provide greater clarity and lead to more effective decision-making.
Lastly, emotional processing within therapy can offer a deeper understanding of one's emotional experience, guided by theories such as the James-Lange theory of emotion, which links physiological arousal to emotional states.
Therapeutic interventions can aid individuals in recognizing and coping with their emotional responses more effectively and thoughtfully.