What is an Emotional Regulation Disorder (ERD’s)?
We all have experienced intense feelings at times. Most people can soothe themselves and return to baseline. Family members who are highly sensitive to stress, are on the spectrum of an emotional regulation disorder, (ERD’s), lack the ability to soothe themselves. They can’t tolerate stress in relationships, fear being alone, and resort to black and white thinking. They struggle emotionally every day, causing patterns of stormy relationships with family, friends and loved ones.
When a family member is emotionally dysregulated, has ERD’s, the whole family is affected. It can be very challenging and stressful. Families of people with ERD’s may not know where to turn for help to support their loved one, and for their own support. As a result, family members may unknowingly act in ways that negatively impact their loved one.
There is hope for both. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) has proven to be effective for people with emotional regulation challenges. It is extremely important for families to also learn BDT skills to support their loved ones, and to learn new ways of coping with their feelings in stressful situations.
I am a clinical social worker with lived experience living with a family member who has ERD’s. I am committed to easing the suffering of families who struggle, by offering programs and services where they can acquire skills and support from trained professional/peers. I offer a unique, Multi-Family or Individual DBT-informed program in the Hamilton area, as an affiliate of Dialectical Living in Toronto. It includes a psycho-educational approach, DBT skills’-learning and peer-support to meet the needs of families.
To register for my information session, or make further inquires about the DBT Family Program, please contact 905-541-6562 or write to me at [email protected].
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