When we get upset or frustrated, it is critical to communicate how we feel. This can be healthy and productive if done the right way, but it can also lead to more frustration and trauma if done in an unhealthy way. Identifying the differences between “healthy venting” and “emotional dumping” can allow us to communicate our anger more effectively and find clarity in our relationships.These are a set of guidelines Dr. Judith Orloff recommends in her book “The Empath’s Survival Guide”. If you are an empath like me, you will notice yourself feeling drained and having low self-worth after experiencing (receiving or delivering) emotional dumping.It is also important to create boundaries when someone is emotionally dumping on you. One way to do this is by politely asking to talk about the issue when the other person (or both of you) are calmer.How do you communicate your frustration? What helps you and what seems to overwhelm you?
Knowing your personality type can be powerful.
Urge surfing involves mindfully noticing and “riding out” urges as they rise and fall in intensity until they eventually subside. Urge surfing with mindfulness has helped break unhealthy habits like binge eating and other addictive behaviors. Practicing this skill does not automatically reduce urges, but it changes how we respond, leading to self-control and mastery in overcoming them. The Urge Surfing DBT Worksheets feature three worksheet activities for clients to answer questions about the skill. Through these activities, they get a chance to reflect on their triggers, the thoughts and sensations they have, how they handled the urge, and what they can do better next time. Using these worksheets helps kids and teens learn to accept an urge and its accompanying discomfort, which can lead to better self-control. When used in individual or group discussions, you can start by introducing the concept of urge surfing. These worksheets can be used alongside our Urge Surfing Technique handout, which provides a summary of the technique. *This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed. Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of DBT worksheets and handouts. References: Bowen, S., Chawla, N., Grow, J., & Marlatt, G. A. (2021). Mindfulness-Based relapse prevention for addictive behaviors: A Clinician’s Guide. Guilford Publications. Juarascio, A. S., Manasse, S. M., Schumacher, L. M., Espel, H. M., & Forman, E. M. (2017). Developing an Acceptance-Based Behavioral Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder: Rationale and Challenges. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 24(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2015.12.005 Singh, N. N., Lancioni, G. E., Karazsia, B. T., Myers, R. E., Kim, E., Chan, J., Jackman, M. M., McPherson, C. L., & Janson, M. (2019). Surfing the Urge: An informal mindfulness practice for the self-management of aggression by adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 12, 170–177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2018.10.003
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