COUNSELING & WELLNESS LOUNGE

Author:  Dr. Jada Jackson, LMHC, LPC-S

I’ll never forget the time my emotions nearly hijacked a conversation I had with someone I cared deeply about.  My heart pounded, words raced to my tongue — but I paused. That pause changed everything. It's Emotional Regulation.  It's Calming the Inner Storm before we speak.

When we feel threatened, our brains send signals to react first, think later. That’s survival wiring. But through practice, we can teach the prefrontal cortex — the rational brain — to stay in charge.

Here’s your emotional regulation toolkit; here's how you can calm the inner storm:

• Pause and breathe — Slows the heart rate, reducing cortisol.

• Body scan prayer — Notice tension, invite God’s peace into each part.

• Reframe the story — Shift from “I’m under attack” to “I’m learning to respond with grace.”

Emotional strength isn’t about suppressing feelings. It’s about partnering with God to steward them well.

“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” — Proverbs 19:11

#EmotionalRegulation #FaithAndTherapy #ThinkWellPlus #EmotionalIntelligence #Neuroscience