Emotive Communication in Mental Health Counseling

Publication Date

Spring 4-22-2026

Presentation Length

15 minutes

College

College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

Department

Communication Studies, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

Amy Schmisseur

Presentation Type

Talk/Oral

Summary

This report examines the role of emotive communication in mental health counseling, focusing on how counselors navigate the tension between authenticity and professional emotional labor, the emotional costs of care, and strategies for sustaining resilience. Interviews with three practicing counselors, Kristyn, Nataliah, and Diode, revealed that while professional norms often emphasize neutrality, counselors intentionally use genuine emotional expression to validate clients, build trust, and strengthen the therapeutic alliance. At the same time, this work exposes counselors to vulnerability, burnout, and challenges in maintaining boundaries, highlighting the personal costs inherent in the profession. The findings also show that counselors cultivate emotional resilience through supportive networks and the development of emotional intelligence skills, including self-awareness, empathy, and self-regulation. Reflection, self-care, and celebrating client progress emerged as key strategies for managing emotional labor and sustaining effectiveness.

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