Riding the wave is an emotion regulation concept in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in which clients learn to grasp the structure of intense emotions. It compares big emotions to waves that come and go. Riding the wave can serve as a helpful reminder that much like waves, our intense feelings will eventually subside. This skill encourages mindfulness, which has been shown to support successful emotion regulation.
The DBT Ride The Wave PDF handout offers a clear explanation of the “riding the wave of emotions” concept. It encourages individuals to practice mindfulness and even experience their bodily sensations completely. The last tip on the handout is to radically accept a difficult emotion instead of pushing it away or blocking it.
Using this handout will help kids and teens learn how to practice mindfulness and explore other self-soothing activities when experiencing a big emotion. While learning the skill, encourage kids and teens to use their imagination where they vividly imagine themselves surfing the waves gracefully. You can also introduce some deep breathing exercises to enhance their learning experience.
Our DBT Ride The Wave worksheet can further support the application of this skill.
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References:
- Guendelman S, Medeiros S, Rampes H. Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation: Insights from Neurobiological, Psychological, and Clinical Studies. Front Psychol. 2017 Mar 6;8:220. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00220. PMID: 28321194; PMCID: PMC5337506.
