Coping Skills
Why do we use coping skills?
Coping skills are tools and techniques used to manage stress, process difficult emotions, and navigate challenging life events without becoming overwhelmed
How can asking follow-up questions help in a conversation?
Asking follow-up questions encourages the speaker to elaborate and shows you're interested in understanding more.
What can you do instead of yelling?
whisper, take space and come back to the conversation when calm, find a different communication style such as notes, think about how you would approach the situation in public
Name 3 coping skills
coloring, dancing, biking, walking, taking space, talk to a friend, journaling, watching a comfort movie, listen to music, watch clouds, etc.
How can you keep a conversation calm during a disagreement?
Use a coping skill
Why should you never use put-downs, swearing, or name-calling
Never use put-downs, swearing, or name-calling. Using degrading language or focusing on a person’s shortcomings only serves to trigger defensiveness and distract from the actual problem.
Focusing on the problem at hand helps increase chances of finding a resolution and keeping the argument manageable.
What should you do if you feel frustrated during a conversation?
If you feel frustrated, take a break, breathe deeply, or express your feelings calmly and respectfully.
What should you do if you don’t fully understand someone’s message?
If you don’t fully understand, you can ask the person to clarify or repeat what they meant.
What is stonewalling?
Stonewalling means retreating into your shell in order to avoid an argument. This might feel better temporarily, but it only postpones a discussion that needs to happen. If you feel overwhelmed, tell your partner you need a time-out, and agree on when and where you’ll resume the conversation.
Share about a time that you used a coping skill. How did it help the situation?
:D
What is one way to show you’re actively listening in a conversation?
To show active listening, you can nod, make eye contact, and give verbal cues like “I see” or “That makes sense.”
Why do people use manipulation tactics and what does it look like?
They are trying to get their needs met the only way they know how. It can stem from a trauma experience such as neglect, anxiety, desire for control, survival/defense mechanism, fear, etc.
Manipulation can look like charm, debasing, negotiating, coercion, or using the silent treatment to get what they want
How does taking a break help you regulate emotions in a disagreement and what is the most important part of using taking space as a coping skill?
Taking a break allows time for cooling down, reflecting, and returning to the situation with a clearer mind.
The most important part of taking space is returning to the conversation after.
What is an "I statement" and how does it help maintain healthy communication.
I feel ___. Because ____. I need ____.
"I statements help to avoid blame while expressing what is wrong and how to fix it.
What unhealthy communication can be seen in this scenario? What could have gone differently?
Ruby is yelling at Max for not taking out the trash when asked and missing trash day. Max swears at Ruby and says its her fault for not reminding him. Max goes to his room and doesn't speak to Ruby for the rest of the day.
Ruby is yelling at Max for not taking out the trash when asked and missing trash day. Max swears at Ruby calling her names and says its her fault for not reminding him. Max goes to his room and doesn't speak to Ruby for the rest of the day.
Yelling, name calling, blaming, stonewalling, no resolution