Ahsan Allaahu ilaykum: how do we deal with emotional thoughts and emotions? Sometimes when I think about having to deal with certain people regarding certain issues- these emotions rise up. I restrain myself and keep control to ensure I act in the right way. I humbly ask you to clarify on this.

You are not taken to account for what rises in you, only for what you say or do, so the restraint you are describing is itself the thing Allah praised when He mentioned those who restrain their anger. When it rises, say aoodhu billahi min ash shaytan ir rajeem, sit down if you are standing, and stay silent until it settles, and do not act while it is still on you.