Cat 1
This emotion often masks deeper feelings and is a common relapse trigger.
What is anger?
This term describes the mental process of justifying unhealthy behavior.
What is rationalization?
This is the feeling of being overwhelmed by too many emotions at once.
What is emotional flooding?
This is the ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences in a healthy way.
What is emotional regulation?
This is the act of blaming others for your own emotional reactions.
What is projection?
This cognitive distortion involves thinking in extremes, like “all or nothing.
What is black-and-white thinking?
This emotion can be a sign of healing when someone begins to care again.
What is vulnerability?
This is the healthy expression of emotions through talking, journaling, or art.
What is emotional release?
This emotion can be a powerful motivator for change when directed positively.
What is frustration?
This is the feeling of peace and contentment that often grows in long-term recovery.
What is serenity?
This emotion often arises when someone feels they’ve let others down.
What is guilt?
This is the practice of being fully present and aware of your thoughts and feelings.
What is mindfulness?
This emotion can be a sign of progress when someone begins to set boundaries.
What is assertiveness?
This is the term for avoiding emotions by staying busy or distracted.
What is emotional avoidance?
This is the practice of checking in with your thoughts and feelings regularly.
What is self-reflection?
This feeling can be a healthy motivator or a toxic burden, depending on how it’s handled.
What is shame?
This emotion often arises when comparing yourself to others in recovery.
What is envy?
This is the mental habit of expecting the worst-case scenario.
What is catastrophizing?
This is the feeling of connection and belonging that supports recovery.
What is love?
This emotion often emerges when someone begins to recognize their own worth in recovery.
What is self-respect?
This is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
What is empathy?
This is the term for the inner voice that criticizes and judges harshly.
What is the inner critic?
This emotion often follows a relapse and can hinder progress if not addressed.
What is regret?
This emotion can be triggered by unresolved trauma and may require therapy.
What is fear?
This is the mental shift from focusing on problems to focusing on solutions.
What is positive thinking?