Emotional Intelligence Course
Introduction
Emotions can be confusing. They can be frightening. They can overwhelm us. They can dictate what we do although we try so hard to control ourselves.
In short, handling emotions can be a big challenge. Yet if we want to live a satisfying life, guided but not ruled by emotions, we need the skills to handle them. Possessing emotional intelligence means that you are able to:
– feel and tolerate emotions
– express & explore emotions
– regulate emotions
– understand and reflect on emotions
In this course you learn the right tools for this, taken from Emotion Focused Therapy.
First we will focus on developing self-control techniques that allow you a workable distance towards emotions. You can’t work with emotions when you’re either overwhelmed or when you feel numbed. Self-compassion is one of the tools you will learn here.
Second, you will learn to allow difficult emotions. Mindfulness and pendulation are the two main tools here.
Third, you will learn to use your emotions as a source of information. Emotions offer you essential information about your relationship to situations and your needs. Focusing will be an important tool which you will learn here.
Fourth, you will learn to reflect on emotions. We all carry some deep emotions with us, based on earlier life experiences (like for example a sensitivity for rejection or a fear to commit). And these are often also connected with important decisions we take in life and the way we generally deal with challenges (our coping strategies). Reflection on core emotions helps you to better understand yourself and to lead a more meaningful and authentic life. Writing assignments are an important tool here.
Starting dates
9 June (in English) – Online course
Dates: 9, 16, 23, 30 June, 7, 14, 21, 28 July
(follow-up session: to be agreed)
Time: 17.00-18.00 (note: the sessions will be recorded, so you can watch the sessions at a different time)
20 euro early bird reduction until May 20th
1 September (in English) – Online course
Dates: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 September, 6, 13, 20 October
(follow-up session: to be agreed)
Time: 17.00-18.00 (note: the sessions will be recorded, so you can watch the sessions at a different time)
20 euro early bird reduction until August 1st
27 October (in English) – Online course
Dates: 27 October, 3, 10, 17, 24 November, 1, 8, 15 December
(follow-up session: to be agreed)
Time: 17.00-18.00 (note: the sessions will be recorded, so you can watch the sessions at a different time)
20 euro early bird reduction until October 1st
For whom is this course?
This course can be done by anyone. It can be especially valuable:
– if you sometimes feel too much or too little (overwhelmed or numb)
– if you have problems allowing emotions out of a fear to drown in them
– if you have troubles understanding your emotions
– if you feel stuck in certain emotions (like depression, anxiety, powerlessness, guilt, shame)
– if you feel that you haven’t quite processed experiences from earlier in your life
– if you find it difficult to make (important) decisions
– if you tend to ruminate
– if you find it difficult to know what you’re feeling, e.g. in a relationship
– if you suffer from physical complaints which don’t have a clear medical explanation or a physical cause
– if you experience strong self-criticism
– if you have sleeping problems
Details
Language: English
Course fee):
– 115 euro standard price
– 95 euro part-time employment
– special reductions for students & unemployed
The rest is paid by your insurance company. If you have a Dutch health insurance, then this is always covered by your “basispakket” and won’t be taken from your deductible. This is because I work under supervision of a GP’s office. So the costs are billed like regular GP visits.
Location: online through zoom
Number of sessions: 8 + follow-up session
I never experienced this type of learning about personal development. It was a great experience.
– Sabine van der Horst (34)
Francisco’s way of explaining, giving feedback and interacting is very clear & pleasant.
– Behzad Sanati (35)
Structure of the course
Session 1: overview of the course, regulation techniques part 1
Session 2: regulation techniques part 2
Session 3: allowing emotions & strategies we use not to feel them
Session 4-5: understanding emotions
Session 6-7: reflecting on emotions
Session 8: summary
Optional follow-up session
What we will do
During the sessions some theory and exercises will be explained. Usually there is one exercise which you do in small groups (2-3 persons) in an (online) breakout room. You practice with the same people throughout the course.
In between the sessions, there are home exercises. You will need two times 15-30 minutes per week. You can choose to do these exercises alone. It’s however recommended to do the exercises with other people, as it makes them more effective. You could do them with a partner or a friend. It’s also possible to practice together with one or two other course participants. You will then be “buddies” during the course. Together you decide when you practice and if you like to do this online or in real life.
There is an option (for no extra costs) to take an ‘individualized learning route’. This means that you write short reflections after each exercise and hand these in. You will then get personal feedback.