ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the purpose of emotion regulation, which is not to avoid experiencing emotions, but rather to identify and describe them to reduce suffering when experiencing negative emotions, and to decrease the frequency and intensity of those emotions. The chapter includes group discussions and activities aimed at exploring the potential benefits and perceived consequences of using emotion regulation skills. Clients are encouraged to reflect on their gains and losses from regulating their emotions and allowing themselves to become emotionally dysregulated. Finally, the chapter discusses the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and provides examples of how certain behaviors can be reinforced by emotions, even if they have negative consequences.
