NORWOOD -- Author Jane Ault of Norwood has published “Emotional Freedom: The Choices We Must Make.”

In this first book of her series, Ault emphasizes the importance of understanding our emotions. Her “tree” model of emotion gives readers what she says is a way to identify feelings, which they may be unaware of. She describes both healthy and unhealthy emotional cycles and gives action steps for making changes.

“When we ignore or are unaware of the desires and feelings of our heart … we can end up saying ‘yes’ with our mouths but ‘no’ with our hearts. This keeps us from following through on our promises—we end up saying one thing and doing another,” Ault said. “The resulting lack of integrity makes it impossible to feel good about ourselves; it hinders our prayers and our relationships with others. To grow toward emotional and spiritual maturity we must be aware of, and become honest about, our emotions.”

Ault has taught the material in this book to locals three times within the past several years. In her book, she includes snatches of her own struggles and progress, as well as stories of others who gained what describes as “significant freedom in their lives, as they worked through her book.”

She received a master’s degree in counseling and human development from St. Lawrence University. On her own and in partnership with her husband, Pastor John Ault, she has mentored and counseled people for over 43 years. She writes a weekly blog post that can be accessed at her website (choosinggrace.org), and she enjoys speaking and doing workshops.

“Emotional Freedom” can be purchased at the Brewer Bookstore in Canton and will soon be available at the University Bookstore in Potsdam. Hardcover, paperback, and e-book formats can also be purchased online though amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com or westbowpress.com.