Healthy Boundaries to Support Emotional Safety
What do boundaries create?
Safety, trust, healthy relationships
One action you can take to help someone else feel safe sharing their feelings with you
Listening without interrupting/judging
When trust is broken, this is often the first feeling people experience
Hurt, betrayal, or disappointment
This is the first step in repairing after anger.
Recognizing or taking responsibility for your anger or actions
Recognizing this can help prevent unhealthy emotional expression.
Triggers, emotions, warning signs
Boundaries help prevent emotional _____
Overwhelm
This is the feeling you have when you can express yourself without fear of judgment or rejection.
Emotional safety
This term describes when someone consistently demonstrates they can be counted on over time.
Reliability or dependability
This is a physical or emotional reaction that often follows anger if it’s not managed.
Aggression, withdrawal or regret
This type of technique helps calm the mind and body when emotions rise.
Deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness
Enforcing boundaries consistently builds _______ over time
Trust
A key part of secure communication that involves both listening and understanding, not just waiting to speak.
Active listening
A healthy emotional response after someone has broken your trust.
Expressing feelings calmly or setting boundaries
Why is it important to avoid blaming others when repairing after anger?
It undermines the apology and prevents trust from being rebuilt
Reaching out to someone you trust when upset is an example of this healthy coping skill.
Seeking support or talking to a trusted person
Boundaries support emotional regulation by providing ___
Stability.
This is the term for communicating honestly, respectfully, and clearly to prevent misunderstandings.
Assertive Communication
Conflict often damages trust because of this common reaction
Anger, defensiveness or avoidance
Reflecting on this can help you understand why you became angry.
Triggers, thoughts, feelings
Practicing healthy emotional expression strengthens this core skill in recovery.
Emotional regulation
Setting boundaries is a form of ___ care.
Self
How can noticing your own emotions first help you communicate more safely with others?
It allows you to respond rather than react.
How can tracking small improvements help rebuild trust?
It shows progress and reinforces reliability
When repairing after anger, this communication approach avoids escalation and promotes healing.
Assertive, respectful, and honest communication
One way to create an environment that supports healthy emotional expression.
Setting boundaries, removing stressors or practicing self-care