What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand and manage emotions. People with higher levels of emotional intelligence tend to be better able to handle everyday stress, foster a greater number of meaningful relationships, and be more socially competent in general. 

Consequently, people who are high in emotional intelligence may also be more likely to experience higher levels of well-being, or “optimal psychological functioning and experience”. 

Emotional intelligence is not something we are born with. It is something that we can develop over time, initially through the help of our parents, our families, our teachers, and later in life through our experiences.

Emotional Intelligence can be seen as a set of skills, some of which may come naturally to us, some of which need to be learned and practiced.

We can think of Emotional Intelligence as being the integration of four main skills:

1. Noticing and understanding emotions in oneself. The ability to name an emotion, understand what triggered the emotion, and notice the physical and mental sensations that make up that emotion.

2. Noticing and understanding emotions in others. The ability to perceive and understand what emotions other people may be experiencing and what may have brought on that emotion.

3. Regulating and expressing our emotions effectively. The ability to effectively deal with one’s own emotions, including unpleasant or intense emotions, and to express them to others in a constructive way.

4. Using emotions to guide actions. The ability to use emotions to make choices and channel them into actions that are in line with our values and our goals.

Why take an Emotional Intelligence Workshop?

Why should we train to improve our emotional intelligence?

As human beings, we are hardwired neurologically (through our brains) and physiologically (through our bodies) to experience emotions. Despite sometimes feeling that emotions can get in the way, feel painful, or distract us, all emotions are actually fundamental in guiding us through life.

This is why we need to develop a good level of emotional intelligence in order to thrive in our lives.

Emotional Intelligence Workshops can give you the knowledge, tools and experience to become an “emotional expert”.

What we focus on in the workshops:

• Share the latest scientific developments in the field of Psychology and Emotions

• Understand how each emotion can serve us

• Practice awareness of thoughts, physical sensations and behaviors connected to emotions

• Develop a nuanced emotional vocabulary (‘emotional literacy’)

• Understand how your own emotional management and awareness can influence social situations

• Interact with others to explore the interpersonal aspects of emotions and develop emotional empathy

• Try out a variety of tools for managing different types of emotions.

Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence

Mindfulness practice can help you develop your emotional intelligence. Mindfulness exercises that have you pay attention to your emotional state in connection to your thoughts, bodily sensations and action tendencies can be a precious source of information to help you better understand your own emotions and those of others.

Emotional Intelligence and Grief

Grief can bring up many unexpected thoughts and emotions. Being able to make sense of this complex and varied experience can help you cope and better manage what you are going through. It can also help you reach out to others when needed or give you the tools you need to help those close to you who may also be struggling.

Emotional Intelligence and Self-Esteem

Feeling like you are “controlled” by emotions can leave you feeling low, insecure, and ineffective in life. Getting a better understanding and appreciation of all the intricacies of your emotions can help you strengthen your self-esteem.

If you are plagued by insecurities, you may also not be paying attention to what your emotions are actually trying to tell you. Training in emotional Intelligence can help you understand how to manage difficult emotions so that you can start to feel more confident, motivated and competent.

Emotional Intelligence and Relationships

Relationships are all about emotions - we have to make sense of our own emotions as well as the other person’s. Emotional Intelligence Training can give you the tools to make sense of it all, so that you can feel connected with your partner and constructively manage any conflicts that may arise.