Emotions 101: What Are Emotions? [Video]

faces of all emotions

Emotions 101: What Are Emotions?

Psychotherapist Hadiya Harris discusses the nuances of emotions and how they impact our lives. Many people struggle with being labeled as “too emotional” or “emotionless.” Media often polarizes emotions into positive or negative experience. Emotions are influenced by past and present experiences and are not “good” or “bad.” 

Hadiya dives into the basics of emotions, their definitions, and their significance. Emotions are complex reactions involving subjective experiences, physiological responses, and behavioral expressions. Each element plays a role in how we process and express our feelings. For instance, an emotional experience like attending a graduation can evoke different reactions depending on individual perspectives. Recognizing these responses—whether they’re physiological like a racing heartbeat or behavioral like a smile—can help in understanding and managing your emotions better. The Emotion Wheel, which categorizes emotions and their underlying factors, can be a valuable tool for putting language to a feeling. Understanding your emotions will improve your self-awareness and connection to those around you. 

Read more about the importance of understanding your emotions.


Are you interested in exploring your emotions in therapy? Reach out to myTherapyNYC to find out which of our therapists would be a good fit for you!


How do you identify and experience your emotions? Join the conversation in the comments below!

Hadiya Harris, MHC-LP
Latest posts by Hadiya Harris, MHC-LP (see all)

3 comments

  1. So well said, Hadiya! I loved learning about the history of how our understanding of emotions has evolved over time and why, and the idea that feeling emotions “means you’re alive!”

    1. This was such a great video! Watching the video on emotions was incredibly helpful as it broke down each aspect, from the definition to the physiological responses our bodies experience, leading to the emotions themselves. This clear and thorough explanation deepened my understanding, and I will definitely reference and share this video in the future.

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