Hmm. I have heard the opposite. I was told to yes, invite your demons for tea. But some people can't do this. Some people can't befriend negative emotions. As well, I think that is for very advanced practitioners. As for me I was just never strong enough to have tea parties with my demons!

I went on a Zen retreat and they taught that it all depends. Sometimes we are strong enough to allow our emotions to be there with us cuddling up on the sofa. Other times we are not so strong so they taught us to imagine having a strong iron wall around you to keep the thoughts out.

I often don't like the iron wall so instead I do a "bubble" where I can "see" the thoughts and and emotions but they can't come into my personal space.

Believe me, I know it is tough. It is especially tough once a thought gets in but I think once they know you are boss you can stay in charge. Vigilance! Vigilance! (That's how I quit smoking. I was just vigilant and determined to stay in charge. I had smoking thoughts for a year but finally they got bored and went away and they never came back. )