Coping, Venting, and Learning How to Regulate Emotions

Timothy Meyer & Dr. Konstantin Lukin discuss coping and venting and underscore why having both skills is important.

Show Notes

When we attempt to over-regulate our internal emotions, we might go for a run, exercise, count to ten, take a deep breath, burn candles, or take a hot shower. But we must recognize that we are individually trying to manage --- and many people over-rely on that strategy. 

When we verbalize our thoughts and feelings, on the other hand, there is power in that. It helps regulate how we feel. 

So if you need to vent, do it! But is venting always the answer? No. Some people use therapy just as a “venting room.” But as clinicians, we need to be more than just a friend, we need to push that person a little bit, re-contextualize a bit and start asking, “how can we start using other regulatory strategies?”

The takeaway? We could all benefit from tuning into ourselves a little bit more, learning to cope and vent, and practicing regulating our emotions properly. 

What is Last Session of the Day with The Psych Guys?

Two therapists walk into a bar. You get to listen, but with better audio.

The Psych Guys are here to dig into the questions everyone is wondering but no one is willing to ask out loud. Join Lukin Center therapist Timothy Meyer and founder Dr. Konstantin Lukin to glean practical tips and insights that will help you expand your understanding of yourself, therapy, and the world around you.

Listen in on fresh takes on topics in cutting-edge neuroscience to witty exchanges on relationships, gender, modern life, and more. Whether you have questions about what your therapist is thinking during therapy sessions, how to navigate a mid-life crisis, or how to not feel depressed during Daylight Savings Time, the Psych Guys are ready to get real and discuss the down-and-dirty truths about therapy.