Coping skills are essential in therapy; they are the foundation of your work. At least to me. There might be some therapists who don't talk about them. There even might be some therapists who do talk about them but don't use that terminology.
I have always looked at coping skills as the emotional band-aid. You are emotionally wounded in some way (wounded, not broken - heed my wording). The therapist is your doctor (feelings doctor if you will). Therapy is your surgery and healing. But you have to stop the bleeding. This surgery takes a long time so while you are undergoing the procedure, you have to have something that is going to allow you to NOT bleed everywhere.
That's where coping skills come into place. These are the skills that help you manage anger, anxiety, depression, rumination, guilt, grief, etc., without damaging your relationships with others or other areas of your life such as employment, finances, etc.
Coping skills vary for everyone and there are even articles in this blog referencing some that may not be common (and some that may be). Some of these include Progressive Muscle Relaxation, gratitude, deep breathing, bookshelf visualization, and grounding (or 5 senses). Additionally, self care strategies such as taking bubble baths or long showers, crafting, reading self help books, exercise, or taking time to paint nails can be part of coping skills because they help you to slow down and focus on yourself.
There tends to be some categories of coping skills and depending who you talk to, these categories might change. Some people benefit from very active coping skills (like exercise), some prefer distraction (which can be the 5 senses/grounding depending on how you tweak it), some need something textile.
No one person is the same so their coping skills, the things that help them manage their emotions whether their emotions need calmed or space, are never the same from person to person.
That being said, give each coping skill a fair shot. I encourage you to not only try a variety, but try them consistently. These are coping skills and skills need to be practiced in order to attain the full affect. Doing something once expecting it to take away emotions that have been building up for years isn't going to work. Give it time to see if it has any effect.
Also, it's best to choose several coping skills that you are willing to use or try. This is because sometimes one just doesn't cut it. Have a couple to go to in times of need.
As always, feel feel to talk to a therapist to gain more ideas of what might work for you. And tell us some that you use!
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