Learn to Understand and Manage Strong Emotions

Everyone experiences difficult emotions. But when anger, anxiety, sadness, frustration or other emotions feel overwhelming or difficult to manage, they can interfere with relationships, school, work and everyday life.

Emotional regulation therapy can help people better recognize what they are feeling, understand what triggers intense emotional responses and develop healthier ways to respond.

Pillar Health provides behavioral health services in Kenosha, Racine and Silver Lake, Wisconsin, serving communities throughout Southeast Wisconsin and western Kenosha County.

What Is Emotional Regulation?

Emotional regulation is the ability to recognize, understand and respond to emotions in ways that help you function effectively.

Regulating an emotion doesn’t mean ignoring it or pretending it isn’t there. Instead, it involves learning how to experience difficult emotions without automatically allowing them to determine your behavior.

Signs You May Be Struggling With Emotional Regulation

Difficulty regulating emotions can look different for everyone. Signs may include:

  • Becoming overwhelmed quickly
  • Intense anger or frustration
  • Frequent emotional outbursts
  • Difficulty calming down
  • Impulsive reactions
  • Feeling consumed by worry
  • Difficulty handling criticism or conflict
  • Avoiding situations that trigger strong emotions
  • Relationship difficulties related to emotional reactions
  • Difficulty identifying or expressing feelings

Emotional regulation difficulties can occur alongside anxiety, depression, trauma or chronic stress.

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How Therapy Can Help With Emotional Regulation

Therapy can help individuals identify emotional triggers and patterns while learning practical strategies for responding differently.

Treatment may focus on recognizing emotions earlier, tolerating distress, communicating needs, challenging unhelpful thinking, practicing mindfulness and developing healthier coping strategies.

Depending on individual needs and provider expertise, approaches may include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Emotional Regulation and DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) places particular emphasis on skills related to emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness.

For people who experience intense emotions or have difficulty recovering after becoming upset, DBT-informed strategies may help build practical skills that can be applied in everyday situations.

Emotional Regulation for Children and Teens

Children and adolescents are still developing the skills needed to identify, communicate and manage emotions. Difficulty with emotional regulation may appear as anger, withdrawal, anxiety, behavioral changes, difficulty at school or conflict with family and peers.

Pillar Health’s Child & Adolescent Therapy addresses concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, school-related stress, family transitions and behavioral concerns.

Emotional Regulation, Stress and Life Changes

Strong emotional responses can also become more difficult to manage during periods of chronic stress or significant change.

If ongoing demands are contributing to emotional exhaustion or overwhelm, explore Stress & Burnout Counseling. If symptoms are connected to a major change in relationships, career, family or other circumstances, Life Transitions Therapy may provide additional support.

Request an Appointment

Taking the first step toward better mental health starts with a conversation. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, your relationship or your family, our behavioral health team is here to help determine the treatment approach that best meets your needs.

No referral is required.

Request an appointment now or call the location most convenient for you:

  • Pillar Health Kenosha Clinic: (262) 771-1700
  • KCHC 22nd Avenue Kenosha Clinic: (262) 771-0070
  • KCHC 14th Avenue Kenosha Clinic: (262) 771-1688
  • KCHC 2nd Street Silver Lake Clinic: (262) 771-1963
  • Pillar Health Racine Clinic: (262) 771-0035
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