Emma's Emotional Discovery is a short story and a game to help children better understand their emotions. It helps children understand that their emotions are warning bells telling them that there is something wrong. Kids will learn skills to better understand what they are feeling, why they are feeling it, and what they need to do to feel better. This resource offers a blend of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and play therapy to help children overcome emotional hangups and gain success in regulating their emotions.
The story addresses many typical unhealthy coping mechanisms many children use to manage their big feelings. Some will externalize their feelings by blaming others, having major meltdowns, or through aggressive behavior. This results in alienation from others and loneliness. Other children are put off or fearful of this behavior.
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It also addresses internalizing emotions and trying to not express what is happening inside. This often results in somatic symptoms such as upset stomachs or headaches. These children try to hold it all in to please others but fail to process emotions in a meaningful way. Boundary issues are often a problem and these children feel like they are at the mercy of others.
The third unhealthy coping mechanism that is addressed is avoidance. Kids will fill their time and energy with distractions to avoid dealing with their emotional problems. These problems tend to stack up and cause more problems over time. The distractions help prevent them from feeling the pain of the problem, but more distractions are constantly needed to continue to bury the pain. It is a "kicking the can down the road" approach to feeling better. Nothing actually gets resolved.
Emma learns to sit with her feelings and ask herself questions to better understand what she is feeling and why she is feeling it. Through introspection, she is able to recognize how her behavior has damaged relationships and the steps she can take to mend her relationships. It also addresses the need to deal with past hurts and trauma.
The game helps children make it personal by exploring their own emotions, relationships, and needs. The cards are designed to help children become more aware of how their decisions impact them and others and how they can learn from mistakes to be better prepared next time. This will lead to better emotional regulation. CBT skills are also discussed to help kids stop intrusive thoughts, rescript negative thoughts, and to focus on positive things.
As children learn the purpose of their emotions they respond to them differently. Instead of feeling the need to ignore or run away from their emotions, they will learn to lean in and listen to the warning bells in their bodies. They will learn to focus on resolution and problem-solving rather than reacting to the pain of their emotions.
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