The importance of developing emotional intelligence

Cyprus International University (CIU) Marketing Directorate held a three-day seminar for Psychological Counselling and Guidance teachers in Turkey.

CIU Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology Academic Staff, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Füsun Gökkaya provided information in relation to “emotional intelligence” on the first day of the event.

During the seminar that was held online within the scope of the Covid-19 measures, it was explained how emotional intelligence is a form of intelligence that enables the performance in other areas and acts as guidance to the functions of the other forms of intelligence.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökkaya informed that emotional intelligence plays an important role in individuals knowing themselves, self-actualization and in their communication with others, and went on to say, “Because this intelligence is related to emotions”.

Advising that since the time of birth, emotions have the power to protect individuals from danger, activates them and motivates them to meet their needs, Gökkaya elaborated, “Emotions, which are simultaneously compatible with cognitive processes, are part of a healthy spiritual development”.

“If you want to be a free individual, you should be able to recognize and express all your emotions, such as worthlessness, inadequacy, disappointment, fear, and love”

Highlighting the negativities experienced when there are repressed and ignored emotional experiences that are not acknowledged and expressed, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökkaya continued “It imprisons us within ourselves and enslaves us within our own depths. If you want to be a free individual, you need to recognize and be able to express emotions such as worthlessness, inadequacy, disappointment, fear and love”.

While almost 400 psychological counseling and guidance teachers attended the seminar, also a large number of psychologists, clinical psychology master’s students and teachers from different branches showed participation. The seminar that was organized by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökkaya ended with a question-and-answer session with the participants.