Episode 82 of the Becoming Centered podcast continues to present the Distress Tolerance Kit.  This package of techniques and tools is intended to help kids who become overwhelmed by dysregulated feelings, thoughts, physiology, and behaviors.  This approach supports clients developing their self-monitoring skills and encourages them to take conscious actions, using specific tools, to self-regulate.

The first technique presented in the Kit is a range of ways to process problem-behaviors with a focus on stabilizing kids, helping to lessen the traumatic impact of their own out-of-control incidents, and providing psycho-education that will provide a basis for personal growth in self-regulation.

The second technique presented in the Kit involves focusing on how to create a calm physiology.  One tool, 4-7-8 Breathing is particularly recommended; however, the larger principle is for Residential Counselors to actively teach their clients a variety of ways to settle their own physiology which will, in turn, settle their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.

The third technique highlighted in this episode is a way to structure check-ins that teaches kids how to assess their own level of dysregulation, using a Subjective Units of Distress Scale.  That leads to the creation of a Distress Tolerance Action Plan.  Kids learn how to take self-monitoring and follow a plan for proactively managing their own levels of stress.

This episode wraps up with exploring different types of Coping Activities.  The intent is that Counselors will encourage kids to try a variety of strategies and actions that will help them avoid becoming overwhelmed.