Introduction & Theoretical Background
Psychology Tools for Living Well is a self-help course that teaches the principles and practice of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Understanding our emotions is an important part of managing and living with them. This chapter discusses: the purpose of emotions, the ways in which they motivate our actions, the evolution of emotions, approach and avoidance, emotions as problems, and psychological approaches to emotion (encompassing CBT and ACT perspectives). It includes exercises for: reflecting upon the impact of emotions in their lives, and managing strong feelings.