Introducing the Emotional Logic Method as a Self-Care Approach for Staff Well-being

Abstract

Aims

The Emotional Logic method teaches that although unpleasant, all emotions have an inbuilt useful purpose. Through recognising our emotional responses to situations, this solution-focused approach helps us discover the hidden losses behind our emotions, empowering us to move forwards. Activating our inner Emotional Logic can help to build emotional resilience, improve self-awareness, strengthen relationships and reduce burn out.

Methods

The Emotional Logic method was introduced to staff across the Learning Disability Psychiatry Division during a two hour webinar. The session was advertised via email circular to all staff with an emphasis on using the method for self-care. It was attended by thirty-two, clinical and non-clinical staff from across the multi-disciplinary team. Interactive polls were used during the session as well as feedback forms at the end.

Results

In Emotional Logic, a safe place is a physical place, relationship or mindset that we can visit when we are doubting our resources to cope, here we can let our emotions settle and make a plan. An interactive poll during the session showed that 98% of staff could identify a safe place. This was reduced to only 52% when asked if they could identify an accessible safe place at work.

The session overall was rated as 4.57 (on a scale of 1(poor)-5(excellent) 90% said they felt Emotional Logic was relevant to them personally, with the remaining 10% answering “maybe.” Qualitative feedback included: “I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the session which would benefit me personally and on a professional level” “Helped me to manage my thoughts/control my thoughts” “Its always hard to take a look at yourself and your behaviors or reactions to things that impact you on a daily basis and I think that a lot of people would find it a real benefit.” 86% said they would be interested in further learning.

Conclusion

In order to care for other people, we need to first look after ourselves. The striking statistic that 48% of staff do not have an accessible safe place at work highlighted the importance of providing staff with the tools to help improve their own well-being. The session was an introductory session, which will be built on through offering follow up workshops and formal courses. The aim of these will be to improve self-care whilst also providing a language to use with colleagues and patients to help everybody move forwards.