In our latest episode of Rays of Light, we explored how strong emotions—anger, frustration, irritation—can sometimes feel overwhelming and automatic.
If you haven’t listened yet, you can find the episode here.
In this post, I want to go deeper into a simple, practical method for handling these emotions—so you can respond with clarity instead of reacting unconsciously.
Why Strong Emotions Feel Out of Control
Imagine walking through a forest thousands of years ago. The sudden crack of a branch alerts you—could it be a bear or a pack of wolves nearby? In an instant, your body reacts: heart racing, muscles tightening, mind sharpened and ready to fight, flee, or freeze.
That survival response was vital then. But while the likelihood of meeting a wild animal in today’s cities is almost zero, the body’s mechanism hasn’t changed much. Now, instead of predators, the “threat” might be a heated email, a traffic jam, or an argument with a loved one.
Your nervous system doesn’t distinguish between the forest and the office—it just reacts. That’s why emotions like anger or frustration can feel so overwhelming and out of your control.
The important truth is this: you may not be able to stop the first surge of emotion, but you can choose your response to it. And that’s where your real power lies.
A Practical 4-Step Approach to Responding Intentionally
How Hypnotherapy Supports Emotional Regulation
Hypnotherapy can accelerate the learning process of responding intentionally.
In hypnotherapy, the process is guided by the therapist. It may, for example, involve visualizations of being triggered, noticing and naming your emotions, and practicing deep, calming breaths. These experiences help plant the new response patterns in the subconscious, making them “known” and easier to implement in everyday life.
Even without hypnotherapy, the noticing–naming–breathing–choosing steps offer immediate, practical tools for managing strong emotions.