In the first version of The Language of Emotions, released in 2010, McClaren showed how the emotional realm is a dynamic system that are part of every decision we make. The updated version continues to show while also revealing that anxiety is a distinct emotion from fear.
McClaren also includes four key models for understanding emotions that she developed in The Art of Empathy.
In the first part she explains why repressing emotions, as people are taught to do, can be harmful. She shares the four keys for effectively working with or channeling one’s emotions.
She defines a family of four elements that inhabit the psyche--air, earth, body, and water—and explains that emotions should flow like water. McClaren continues to assert that all emotions—even anger and jealousy--convey valuable information.
Emotions only become problematic when they become stuck in a loop. She offers recommendations for an imbalanced psyche. In the second half, she explores emotions more fully giving each emotion gets its own chapter.
McClaren gives readers additional resources to
explore topics in greater depth and advises how to honor each emotion in others.
Though friends can offer some help, she advises when to refer a friend to a professional.