A deep dive into still waters: How to self-soothe in waves of Whoosh - Part 3
Therapeutic Models and Self-Soothing
Therapeutic models provide structured approaches to understanding and managing difficult emotions like jealousy. This section offers an overview of some key models—Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based approaches—and how they inform the techniques you’ll explore in the next section on practical self-soothing strategies.
It’s worth noting that while these models can be very effective for many people, they don’t work for everyone. Therapeutic approaches like CBT, in particular, are sometimes critiqued for focusing on individual emotional regulation rather than addressing broader, systemic or relational issues that may contribute to distress. This doesn’t make these techniques ineffective, but it’s important to recognise that self-soothing practices often form part of a larger emotional toolkit, which may include exploring the social, structural, and relational contexts of your emotions.
A. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, which are often at the root of intense emotions like jealousy. CBT offers two main contributions to self-soothing:
Thought Restructuring: This technique helps you challenge automatic thoughts, such as “I’m not enough” or “My partner prefers someone else,” and replace them with more balanced perspectives. Thought restructuring, as discussed further in Section IV, can be combined with other grounding or relaxation techniques to break emotional spirals.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that CBT primarily addresses internal thought patterns and behaviours, which can sometimes feel inadequate for those dealing with deeper, external challenges—such as relational dynamics or broader societal pressures—that contribute to distress.
Behavioral Activation: Engaging in positive activities to disrupt rumination is another cornerstone of CBT. This technique encourages you to replace cycles of negative thinking with activities that promote well-being. Section IV will delve deeper into how to incorporate these activities into your daily routine, particularly when managing emotions like jealousy.
Though helpful for many, it’s crucial to recognise that the focus on individual behaviour change can sometimes overlook the relational or contextual factors that influence emotional experiences. CBT’s approach might not resonate with everyone, particularly those looking to address more systemic or interpersonal elements of their emotional responses.
B. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotional regulation skills that help you tolerate and manage overwhelming emotions like jealousy. Two core contributions of DBT include:
Distress Tolerance Skills: Techniques like the TIPP strategy (Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, Progressive Relaxation) offer immediate relief from acute emotional distress. You can explore detailed application of these techniques in Section IV, which includes guidance on creating a personalised toolkit.
Emotional Regulation: DBT also emphasizes building long-term emotional resilience by incorporating positive emotional experiences and learning to check the facts of a situation. This ties into Section IV’s discussion of regular emotional check-ins and long-term strategies for self-soothing.
C. Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Mindfulness-based approaches, including mindfulness meditation and loving-kindness meditation, focus on staying present and cultivating compassion for yourself and others. These practices allow you to observe emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them.
Mindfulness Meditation: Practicing mindfulness helps you stay grounded during moments of emotional distress. Section IV will cover how to integrate mindfulness into your self-soothing toolkit for both immediate relief and long-term resilience.
Loving-Kindness Meditation: This practice encourages compassion and reduces emotional pain, particularly when dealing with jealousy or insecurity. Further details on how to incorporate loving-kindness into your daily routine can be found in Section IV, where we explore its role in daily self-soothing practices.
D. Somatic Experiencing and Embodied Practices
Somatic experiencing focuses on the connection between the mind and body. Techniques like grounding and breathwork help release physical tension associated with distress.
Grounding Techniques and Breathwork: These methods calm the nervous system by bringing attention back to the body and breath. Section IV provides step-by-step guidance on using grounding and breathwork in real time to manage distress and reduce physical symptoms of emotional overload.
Overview of this Guide
Introduction
The Neuroscience of Self-Soothing Understand how the brain processes emotions and how self-soothing techniques can help rewire emotional responses.
Therapeutic Models and Self-Soothing Techniques Explore structured approaches like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and somatic practices to manage overwhelming emotions.
Practical Approaches to Self-Soothing Learn step-by-step methods for building a self-soothing toolkit and applying techniques during emotional surges.
Understanding and Integrating Your Experience Discover how to use self-reflection, journaling, and self-compassion to understand emotional patterns and improve resilience.
Conclusion: Embracing the Process A reminder that self-soothing is an ongoing journey of building emotional resilience and finding balance.
