This book is designed to be used by adults who are assisting children or adolescents in their homes, in schools or in other settings with identifying strategies that will help them increase their ability to regulate their emotions. The emotion regulation strategies described throughout this book have roots in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and positive psychology. CBT, DBT and positive psychology are models that show much promise in assisting students who are struggling to regulate their emotions. You will find activities throughout the book that you might want to complete with your child or adolescent. These activities could also be completed independently by children or adolescents up to the task. Blank versions of these activities are included in the appendix and online.Special note for caregivers and therapists: Please take a moment to congratulate your children. If they recognize they need help managing their emotions, they have taken the biggest step in this process- awareness. Effective emotion management can lead to more successful relationships, increase the positive feelings your children have about themselves and help your children's daily lives run more smoothly. Managing emotions is a lifelong journey that takes hard work. Remind your child or adolescent that there are times all of us feel more successful than others, and thats okay. The most important part of this journey is to keep moving forward, trying new things, and being kind to ourselves.
WelcomeIntroduction
Emotion Regulation Intended Readership
Emphasis of the Book
Goals
Chapter 1: A Step Toward Emotion Regulation: Models of Intervention
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Positive Psychology
Summary
Chapter 2: Factors, Skills, and Traits that Support Emotion Regulation
Self-Awareness
Strengths
Specific Skills that Support Effective Emotion Regulation
Traits that Support Emotion Regulation
Summary
Chapter 3: The Interaction Between Anxiety, Depression, Anger, and Emotion
Regulation
Anxiety
Anxiety in Children and Adolescents
Challenges Associated with Anxiety
Depression
Anger
Next Steps: Examining Specific Intervention Strategies
Summary
Chapter 4: Additional Intervention Strategies to Support Emotion Regulation
Learn how to READ Yourself to be READY
RECOGNIZE Triggers, Core Beliefs, and Assumptions
Evaluate your Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fall Asleep Responses and Lizard
Thinking
Assess the Intensity of Emotions
Direct Thoughts and Emotions to a Place That is More Manageable
Your Student is Stronger than Her Feelings. She Can be in Charge of Her
Feelings and Emotions
Chapter 5: Creating an Emotion Regulation Plan for your Student
The Reality of Emotion Regulation
A New Toolbox of Strategies
Appendix: Assessing and Supporting Skills
A Brief Note about Assessment Measures
A Sample of Intervention Strategies
References and Resources
Lauren H. Kerstein is an author, psychotherapist, NYT-bestselling ghostwriter, and developmental editor. Laurens books include themes of courage, flexible thinking, friendship, social emotional learning, foster care, seeing your strengths, sensory issues, and emotion regulation. In addition to a passion for reading and writing, Lauren continues to enjoy her career as a mental health clinician. She is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Her mental health background adds a layer of social-emotional nuance and depth to all of her books. Lauren is a Jersey girl at heart who lives in Colorado with her husband, daughters, and rescue dogs. Her writing goals are simple. Read voraciously. Embrace feedback. Grow each day. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch childrens hearts.
