In this episode of Just Like Nana, host Amie (Elizabeth) Penny Sayler is joined by Dr. Jenn Veilleux, clinical psychologist and professor of psychological science, where they discuss the science of emotions.

Together, they explore why we are so fundamentally afraid of negative emotions, how contrast avoidance blocks us from tasting joy, and a highly actionable framework to accurately interpret the hidden messages your body is trying to send you.

About Dr. Jenn Veilleux

Dr. Jenn Veilleux is a licensed clinical psychologist and a professor of psychological science at the University of Arkansas, where she specializes in emotions, emotion regulation, and personality. In addition to training graduate students in the art of psychotherapy, Dr. Veilleux operates a private practice helping adults and couples transform their relationships with their internal states. As a dedicated emotion scientist, she bridges strict empirical research with practical clinical application to help individuals understand their minds and bodies more gracefully. She is also the author of an upcoming book designed to clearly demystify the psychological science behind emotion regulation, which will be fully linked in our resources below. 

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Differentiate Emotions from Moods: Scientifically, emotions are intense, transient, wave-like states triggered by a specific event that have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Moods, by contrast, are longer-lasting, lower-intensity states that lack a target or explicit starting trigger.
• Receive Emotions as Vital Messages: Emotions are not random disturbances; they are functional communication tools designed to prepare your physical body for action, provide information about your social environment, and facilitate connection with others.
• Confront the Trap of Contrast Avoidance: Master suppressors often actively block intense positive emotions. This tendency is driven by a fear of the sudden emotional drop that might follow a peak experience, causing individuals to stay safely anchored in a low level of anxiety instead.
• Understand the Rebound Cost of Suppression: Pushing an emotional wave down doesn't make it disappear. Because emotions are determined to be received, hiding from them temporarily causes them to return with amplified intensity, much like the avalanche of letters invading Harry Potter's living room.

Connect with Dr. Jenn Veilleux

Website: https://www.jenncveilleux.com/

Book: https://www.jenncveilleux.com/book

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-veilleux-3270962a8

Connect with the Show

• Website: justlikenana.com
• Share Your Story: If you have a family story or trauma you’re exploring, reach out via our website for a chance to be interviewed.

Connect with Just Like Nana's Website.

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Theme music by Carter Penny.