Sensations, Emotions and Feelings: What are the Differences?

In counseling, exploring feelings is part of the process but what about sensations and emotions. These are all categorized differently and are complex in nature. In this article, we will discuss how sensations, emotions and feelings are different and identifying your feelings.

Sensations, Emotions and Feelings

A sensation is how you process the information you’re taking in within your sensory system; sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. The sensations you feel are part of your five senses. If you’re having a panic attack, your sensations are heightened and can present themselves as physical sensations. On the other hand, when practicing mindfulness, using your senses can attune yourself to the present moment.

Emotions are feedback loops from our brains to our bodies. It takes around 6 seconds to process emotions and understand the stimuli you’re presented with.

Feelings are how you interpret the emotions and alert you of a feeling essentially. Feelings are also connected to your thoughts and mood. When looking at compassionate communication, identifying feelings are a part of processing. Feelings come about because of unmet needs. What are the universal human needs?

• Safety

• Love

• Understanding or empathy

• Creativity

• Recreation

• Sense of belonging

• Autonomy

• Meaning

• Food/nutrients

What do your feelings tell you about yourself?

Here are examples of common feelings. It’s important to label your feelings and identify them.

• Affectionate

• Confident

• Peaceful

• Inspired

• Giddy

• Grateful

• Elated

• Enchanted

• Disconnected

• Depleted

• Miserable

• Mistrustful

• Livid

• Vulnerable

To understand your feelings more, having a feelings wheel that you download or print out. You can find these online.

Distinguishing Feelings from Thoughts

Thoughts are mental cognitive processes. Oftentimes the word “feel” comes up when we aren’t describing an actual feeling but instead a thought. Have you ever said “I feel like you don’t care about me” to your partner? This is an expression of a thought and not a feeling. By understanding your own internal experience and properly identifying your feelings through separation of thought, can allow you to connect with your partner and other relationships better. Below are some examples of “faux feelings”.

• Insulted

• Let down

• Underappreciated

• Overworked

• Abandoned

• Ignored

ACT for Identifying Thoughts vs Feelings

In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), there's a distinction between thoughts and feelings that’s important for processings your thoughts and feelings by understanding the difference between the two. Here are the key differences:

Thoughts: In ACT thoughts are judgements, interpretations and beliefs. In ACT, thoughts are seen as simply words or images in the mind, this can be complicated. For example, you might think, "I'm not good enough," or "I always mess things up." These are only thoughts. In ACT, you’re encouraged to allow the thoughts to come in but also allow them to go. By accepting the thoughts and not avoiding them, is the main idea in ACT. Noticing them without getting overly entangled.

Feelings: Feelings happen because of an emotion. Sadness, joy, anger are all examples of feelings. You may feel excited about a new job opportunity or nervous about a date you have planned. Through ACT, experiencing these feelings without suppressing them and allowing them as part of the human experience.

In ACT, the goal is to create a healthy relationship with both thoughts and feelings. Instead of pushing them away and avoiding them, you accept them for what they are and observe them with mindfulness. By doing this it will help you to live in a way that's consistent with your values, regardless of what your thoughts and feelings might be doing.

Counseling in Texas, Schedule a Session Today

If you want to explore your feelings on a deeper level and gain a deeper understanding of self. Or perhaps you’re having problems in your relationship on communicating your feelings effectively. We can help through individual or couples counseling.

To schedule a free consultation or counseling session, use the button below or email us at contact@sagebrushcounseling.com