Emotional regulation is the process of reorganizing, labeling and adjusting emotions. The term emotion regulation is used to describe one component of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy — which combines cognitive and behavioral therapy, incorporating techniques from various traditions and was developed to treat certain types of mental health issues. Learning how to self-regulate emotions is an important part of a child’s development, and as we know from experience and life-long quest.
The techniques formalized in DBT can be used by all of us to identify and change negative patterns of thinking. Basically, it provides ways to help get “unstuck” and shift how you think and act in a more positive direction. In addition to emotional regulation, the other components of the therapy are strengthening tolerance for distress and negative emotions, teaching mindfulness strategies and improving interpersonal effectiveness. To learn more about DBT specifically, click here.
What is Emotional Regulation
Letting go and Thinking Differently: Change the way you think
4 Articles from Psychology Today on changing the way you think
7 Little Habits That Can Change Your Life, and How to Form Them
Tricks to Becoming A More Positive Thinker
Cheat Sheet for Finding Your Funny Bone: 15 Funniest Websites for the Best Humor on the Web
Self-Care
TedTalk: The Importance of Self-Care
Self-care is Active Participation in Enhancing the Quality of Your Health
Controlling Anger
10 Steps for Controlling Anger
Strategies for Controlling Anger
Active Listening and Better Communication
Click here to take a deeper dive into this topic with additional readings focusing on developmentally appropriate ways of using active listening skills in your family
7 Ways to Reinforce Active Listening at Home
Mindfulness
Click here to read two related COPETalk: Mindful Parenting: Getting Your Emotions Under Control and Can Meditation Positively Impact Your teenager? It Absolutely Can! There are additional links at the end of each article.
Free web-based guided meditations
All It Takes Is 10 Mindful Minutes
Breathe. Exhale. Repeat: The Benefits of Controlled Breathing
Bill Murray’s Surprising Wish + Meditation
Further Reading: A Deeper Dive
Emotional Regulation
The 5-Point Scale and Emotional Regulation
More information about the cycle of thoughts, behavior and feelings
Letting go and Thinking Differently: Change the way you think
Forget Positive Thinking: This Is How to Actually Change Negative Thoughts For Success
Cognitive Restructuring: Reducing Stress by Changing Your Thinking
PTSD COACH ONLINE: Changing negative thinking patterns
Critical Thinking in Everyday Life: 9 Strategies
Active Listening
Active Listening with Toddlers and Pre-schoolers
Active Listening: How to Master the Skill That Will Make You a More Effective Parent
