Hope For Parents With Struggling Teens

The Myth of Bottling It Up

Brandon Joffe, LCSW

Brandon takes a closer look at the popular idea of “bottling things up” and why it doesn’t align with how human emotions work. Emotions aren’t like pressure cookers—they’re far more nuanced. Brandon unpacks how unresolved conflicts, unhealthy patterns, and unspoken boundaries often drive emotional struggles, not simply holding feelings in. He explains how the push to constantly express emotions can sometimes do more harm than good, especially when it leads to obsessing over negativity or avoiding meaningful solutions. Brandon explores how different people process emotions in their way. He emphasizes the importance of timing, readiness, and balance, particularly when helping children or teens navigate difficult emotions. Brandon shows that healthy emotional processing isn’t about venting for the sake of it; it’s about finding a personal approach that fosters growth and healing.