Im blocking my emotions

I've known this for quite a while but I need to address it.
I've been to a few counsellors over the years. I am able to put words on my difficulties, on why I feel the way I do and why I end up getting depressed. But when I feel emotion coming from within I tend to block it, to push it down. This is understandable cause in the past I have had nervous breakdowns of sorts. But I know to move on I need to connect with myself inside and until I do I wont be fully able to fall in love, to feel real joy. I also know that to do this may mean feeling worse for a time or opening myself up to powerful negative emotions.
Has anyone else had this problem. Or can you advise how I really start to do this. Are there specific exercises I can do.