Introduction & Theoretical Background
Many emotional disorders share common features. Three vulnerabilities which contribute to the development of anxiety, depression, and related disorder include the propensity to experience negative emotions frequently and intensely; a negative view of one’s emotional experiences; and a tendency to avoid or suppress negative emotional experiences in maladaptive ways which backfire.
Developed by David Barlow and colleagues, the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (Second Edition) helps therapists to target these vulnerabilities by guiding clients through 5 core treatment modules:
- Mindful emotion awareness. Teach clients to cultivate a curious, present-focused, and non-judgmental attention toward their emotional experiences.
- Cognitive flexibility. Encourage clients to identify biases and be more flexible in their thinking by using appraisal strategies.
- Countering emotional behaviors. Help clients to identify their avoidance behaviors, and encourage them to use alternative actions.
- Understanding and confronting physical sensations. Use interoceptive exposure to reduce the impact of strong physical sensations on emotion aversion and avoidance.
- Emotion