People, especially recovering alcoholics often resist feelings, either from fear of the pain involved or fear of losing control. This paper views emotions from a positive perspective: as signals, connectives and directives. Fears of feeling and the defensive methods people have devised to admit and control unwanted emotions are examined. By uncovering and addressing these fears and methods during the recovery process, it is hoped that relapses can be prevented, or at least minimized. Practical tools for increasing emotional awareness and developing communication skills which counselors can use to help clients promote self-esteem and selfconfidence are presented.