What is Emotion Coaching?
Based on research by American Psychologist John Gottman, Emotion Coaching uses moments of heightened emotion and resulting behaviour to guide and teach the child and young person about more effective responses. Through empathetic engagement the child's emotional state is verbally acknowledged and validated, promoting a sense of security and feeling 'felt'. This activates changes in the child's neurological system and allows the child to calm down, physiologically and psychologically.
Inappropriate behaviours are not condoned in Emotion Coaching and when the child is calmer, incidents are discussed in a more rational and productive manner. Moves are made to problem solve and engage in solution-focused strategies.
Elements of Emotion Coaching...
Through repetitive, consistent and empathetic Emotion Coaching, the ability of a child to regulate their emotions is promoted.
Key Elements are involved in Emotion Coaching:
-
Becoming aware of the child's emotions
-
Recognising the emotion as an opportunity for intimacy and teaching
-
Listening empathetically, validating the child's feelings
-
Helping the child find words to label the emotion
-
Setting limits and explore strategies to solve the problem at hand.
