by 
Marsha Linehan has created a list of commonly held, yet distorted views of emotions. She has summarized this list into two broad categories:
Emotion Myths (e.g., mistaken beliefs) about emotions getting in the way of your ability to regulate emotions.
- Myths that emotions are bad or weak lead to avoiding emotions.
- Myths that extreme emotions are necessary or are part of who you are keep you from trying to regulate your emotions.
Emotions are a central element of the human condition. Emotions create rich experiences, and they are the basis of artistic ventures, whether it be painting, poetry, literature, dance, or other artistic undertakings.
If we think back on significant events in our lives, they were probably laden with emotion. That is most likely why they were etched in our memory.
Once again, the aim of DBT is to find the middle path. A healthy expression of emotion is appropriate and desirable. This parallels “Wise Mind.”
Having extreme emotions sends us into “Emotion Mind.” The expression of emotions in this state of mind is often out of control and can lead to destructive behaviors that damage relationships.
The other extreme, “Reasonable Mind,” is also unhealthy. While in this state of mind, we often avoid emotions, stuff emotions, or try to make the emotions of others go away. This prevents us from having the deep emotional experiences that are necessary for the full expression of “humanness.”
Emotions are not good or bad. They give us information about how we are experiencing our environment. Wise Mind allows us to experience emotions, be attuned to the emotions of others, and thereby connect with others through a meaningful experience.