The Neuroscience of Emotions and Images with Sue Langley

A coaching podcast with Sue Langley and Tobias Weghorn about coaching skills you can use to read emotional cues, expand emotional vocabulary, and work more intentionally with emotions in sessions. Starting with a simple picture-based check-in, Sue explains why using picture cards in coaching can help clients talk about what’s going on “behind the words” and access richer insights than a standard “How do you feel?” question. You’ll also hear the neuroscience angle behind emotion cards and emotional vocabulary, including how the limbic system vs prefrontal cortex in coaching can shape empathy, clarity, and progress. Along the way, Sue shares practical ways to notice body language and physiology (interoception) so you can learn coaching that’s both human and evidence-informed.Key Learnings:Use picture cards in coaching as a “third object” to help clients talk more openly: ask them to pick an image that matches how they feel, then explore the story behind it (this strengthens coaching skills and often reveals what words alone hide).Build emotion cards and emotional vocabulary into your sessions: have clients label more precise emotions (e.g., disappointed, embarrassed, guilty vs ashamed) to support emotional intelligence (perceive-connect-understand-manage) and make next steps clearer.Practice reading emotional cues and body language in real time: notice mismatches between words and physiology (jaw tension, staccato gestures, foot tapping) and choose whether to name it overtly or regulate your own energy to help the client shift state.Resources:Sue Langley’s Website: https://suelangley.comThe Langley Group Website: https://langleygroup.com.auFind your Coaching Tool: https://metaFox.euTry the metaFox Strengths Discovery: https://strengths-discovery.comConnect with Tobi on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tobiasweghornEpisode Chapters:00:00 Reading Emotional Cues As A Coach01:00 Why Picture Cards Make Feelings Easier To Express04:00 Picture-Based Check-In: Two Images And What They Reveal08:45 Using Picture Cards In Coaching For Feedback And Strengths14:40 Limbic System vs Prefrontal Cortex in Coaching (What’s Happening In The Brain)19:45 Compassion vs Empathy: Staying Warm Without Losing Clarity23:20 Interoception: Using Physiology To Read Emotions (Foot Tapping Example)32:00 In-Session Techniques To Shift A Client’s State37:20 Emotion Cards And Emotional Vocabulary: Labeling For Better Management40:10 Shame vs Guilt: Why The Distinction Changes What Clients Do Next47:45 Strengths, Values, And Choosing The Right Tool In The Moment54:10 How To Learn More And Connect With Sue Langley