The power of "calling names" emotions.

Have you ever...

When emotions come in, angry, sorry, depressed,

Like being blown in the middle of a tidal wave out of control.

Many times... those strong emotions make us say things we shouldn't say, do things we regret later, or make mistakes.

But there are actually... simple psychological techniques that help us control the situation without trying to "forbid feelings."

Just use Dr. Daniel Siegel's "Name It to Tame It" principle that says -

"Just calling out the name of the emotion can calm it down."

1. "Call name." How does emotion work?

Usually, when we face strong emotions (such as fear, anger), the emotional part of the brain like Amygdala works hard, causing us to respond automatically without thinking.

But as soon as we try to "find a word to call a name," that feeling

Like, "Now I'm feeling angry" or "This is a feeling of disappointment."

The prefrontal cortex is activated.

This process draws energy from the surging emotional part of the brain to the calmer rational part of the brain, causing an immediate decrease in emotional concentration.

2. Create a distance between "ourselves" and "emotions."

At the heart of this technique is to change the perspective from:

"I am anger" (I am anger)

Go be

"I am noticing anger" (I am noticing anger)

When we see emotion as an "observer," we create a mental distance.

The emotion that used to look like a tidal wave ready to sink us becomes just one wave that is happening and passing, so we don't sink in it.

3. How to practice using Name It to Tame It in everyday life

Step 1: Stop and Recognize (Pause & Recognize)

When you realize that emotions are getting turbulent, stop thinking about other things for a moment, and pay attention to your physical feelings (such as a brisk heart, cold hands, or a turbulent stomach).

Step 2: Call it Label the Feeling

Ask yourself, "What exactly am I feeling now?" Try to state it as clearly as possible.

Not just "feel bad," but "disappointed," "upset," "jealous," or "lonely."

Step 3: Accept without judgment (Validate without judgment)

Tell yourself, "It's okay to feel this way." Admitting a feeling is not a surrender, but an opportunity for us to understand its origin.

🤍 Brief summary

Calling an emotion by name does not mean that the emotion disappears immediately.

But it helps us get back in control of the situation instead of being emotionally controlled.

Reference sources:

Waska R.Name It, Claim It, Tame It: Modern Kleinian Therapy and the Challenge of Change.Am J Psychoanal.Published online September 19, 2025. doi: 10.1057 / s11231-025-09522-9

# Mind health # Bangkok Psychiatric Clinic # Psychiatrist # Psychiatric clinic