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In addition to being a topic that appears frequently in the realm of pop psychology, emotional intelligence is a subject of serious, rigorous academic inquiry.  Clinical psychologist & author, Dr. Stephanie Catella joins for us for a discussion of core-themes in her new book  The Emotional Intelligence Skills Workbook: Improve Communication and Build Stronger Relationships.  In this conversation we cover:   

• why Dr. Catella wanted to create a workbook specifically focused on Emotional Intelligence (EI)
• the current operational definition of EI
• common misconceptions people have about EI
• clinical presentations where it may be particularly useful to address EI
• the importance of providing psychoeducation around emotions 
• reacting v.s responding 
• a values-driven path to EI
• radical acceptance as an advanced EI skill 
• mentalizing  & attunement in the context of EI
• defining genuine, effective, values-driven empathy and differentiating this from more manipulative concepts like agentic extraversion
• a consideration of fact vs. fiction around the emotional intelligence of narcissistic individuals 
• the effective ingredients around effective, values-driven assertiveness and the value of being kind  
• the benefit to improve one's mental health and overall well-being
• the evoking of schemas that can occur in the context of this work

Comments or feedback?  Email us [email protected].  

Stephanie Catella, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist with expertise in transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for trauma, anxiety, and building emotional intelligence. After completing fellowships at the San Francisco VA and the University of California, San Francisco, she codirected the Berkeley Cognitive Behavioral Therapy clinic with Dr. Matt McKay. In addition to her private practice, she authored an FDA-cleared prescription digital therapeutic for fibromyalgia, and serves as an advisor to HealthTech companies.

www.drstephcatella.com