The AEQ method places special emphasis on distinguishing between the expression of emotions and the effective expression of emotions. Emotional expression can often be spontaneous and unregulated, meaning that a person expresses emotions without being particularly aware of their impact on themselves or others. According to the AEQ method, effective emotional expression is conscious, thoughtful, and appropriate to the situation. The individual balances and applies both the left and right brain hemispheres in a gender-appropriate way, enabling emotional expressiveness while also being aware of how their emotions will be received and how they will affect the environment.
When emotions are expressed without control, they often dominate, leading to impulsive reactions, conflicts, or even harmful behavior toward oneself and others. Such expression usually results from the excessive influence of the right brain hemisphere, where emotions overpower rational thinking, without sufficient involvement of the left hemisphere’s necessary control and consideration. Consequently, the expressed emotions are often misunderstood or misinterpreted, causing misunderstandings and reducing communication effectiveness.
Effective emotional expression in the AEQ method means that the individual recognizes their emotional responses, becomes aware of them, and thinks carefully about how to express them. It’s about the ability to control emotional reactions and consciously communicate one’s feelings in a way that suits the situation. In effective emotional expression, the individual is connected to their body and emotions, which allows them to recognize when and how to express emotions in a way that supports the relationship and avoids additional conflict or misunderstanding.
The AEQ method teaches how to develop this ability to control and consciously express emotions through exercises and emotional maturity development. By performing AEQ exercises that promote balance between both brain hemispheres, the individual learns to recognize bodily responses and perceive subtle changes in emotional reactions. When someone senses physical tensions or feelings accompanying a particular emotion, they can consciously decide how and in what way to express them, leading to more effective and clear communication.
For example, in the case of anger or rage, a person trained in effective expression learns to recognize the first signs of anger in the body (e.g., muscle tension, rapid breathing) and consciously chooses how to express dissatisfaction or disagreement productively. Instead of reacting impulsively and triggering a conflict, they can express their feelings calmly and clearly, maintaining control of the situation and allowing their partner to understand them better.
Thus, effective emotional expression according to the AEQ method contributes to better communication and increased understanding in a partnership, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and unnecessary conflicts. With this approach, individuals also build greater trust in their emotional abilities and gradually develop higher emotional maturity.
The difference between emotional expression and effective emotional expression lies in the degree of awareness, self-control, and understanding of the impact expressed emotions have on ourselves and others. AEQ enables the individual, through bodily awareness, enhanced emotional maturity, and balanced use of physical and brain structure, to learn how to express emotions in ways that support growth and relationship improvement. Through this effective approach to emotional expression, communication becomes clearer, and emotional experience more balanced—an essential foundation for quality and lasting relationships.
Aleš Ernst, Author of AEQ Relationships
