6. How To: Understand and Name Emotions

In this episode, Molly and Liza wrap up their teaching of mindfulness skills with homework review and then introduce the next set of skills: Emotion Regulation. Molly was proud to report that she followed up on her coaching from Episode 4, in which she consulted Wise Mind when anger showed up and responded assertively. After making a quick plug for practicing DBT skills (particularly Wise Mind) because of the feeling of mastery that comes with it, Molly and Liza get into the topic of the week: how to understand and name emotions. Using one too many car examples, we explain the importance of accurately labeling emotions as the first step to regulating them. We describe the different components of an emotion including physiological sensations, thoughts and interpretations, and behavioral urges. Lastly, Molly coaches Liza on how to cope with rumination after receiving negative feedback. We hope you enjoy!