One of the things that makes us human is EMOTION. Emotional strength – Like SUPERMAN’S need to regulate his physical strength it is important for us ‘regular humans’ to learn to understand and regulate our own EMOTIONAL strength.
Dr. Stuart Shanker’s groundbreaking book, “Self-Reg: How to Help Your Child (and You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage with Life” is a great resource and guide for those that suffer from stress and those that support those challenged by ongoing stress. Shanker challenges us to look for the ‘hidden stressors’ behind a person’s inability to act and react in a positive and adaptive way. I love that Shanker challenges the notion of good behavior or being able to handle stress as a conscious choice that comes from self-control and willpower. Counselling can support the identification of hidden and clear stressors and provide concrete ways to develop self regulation skills that can serve for a lifetime of growth.
