Frequently Asked Questions
What is emotional regulation?
Emotional regulation refers to the ability to identify, understand, and manage emotional responses in an adaptive way. It involves recognising emotions as they arise, tolerating distress without acting impulsively, and returning to baseline after emotional activation. It is a core skill in evidence-based therapies and is relevant to a broad range of clinical presentations.
Why do some people struggle with emotional regulation more than others?
Difficulties with emotional regulation are associated with a number of factors including early life experiences, trauma, ADHD, autism, borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. Neurological differences in how the brain processes threat and emotion also play a role. Understanding the basis of a client's regulation challenges is important for selecting appropriate therapeutic tools.
How can therapy worksheets help clients develop emotional regulation skills?
Worksheets support emotional regulation skill development by helping clients track their emotional patterns, practise specific regulation strategies between sessions, and build self-awareness over time. Structured practice is a key mechanism of change in DBT and other emotion-focused therapies. Worksheets provide a tangible framework for clients to engage with this practice independently.
What therapy approaches are reflected in these emotional regulation resources?
The emotional regulation resources in this collection draw on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). They are designed for use by trained clinicians who can contextualise the tools within their chosen therapeutic framework.