Bridging Emotions

Bridging Emotions as taught by Eileen Estes

Materials
8 1/2 X 11 paper, drawing utensils

Procedures
1. Fold paper into 3 equal sections.2. Left column: choose mad, sad, or scared. Write that word at the top of the left column.3. Contemplate the opposite emotion, and write that word at the top of the right column.4. In the center column, draw a line, representing a bridge that connects the left column to the right column. At the top of center column, write, "What I do for myself."5. Above the bridge in the center column, make a list of things I do for myself to move from mad, sad, or scared state of mind into a more peaceful, glad, content, etc. state of mind.
Processing questions: Are there things that work in other situations? What works in the car? What works when waiting? Is there anything I can change right at this moment? "What is the next step?"6. Under the bridge, write, "What others do for me?" Make a list of specific supports.*As AT look for: themes in self-care and possible adaptations, effectiveness of self-care tools, who is included in support network*If client cannot think of a supporter, help him or her to understand that the process is ongoing and the list can be amended next time. "Stranger" supports count, too.

Rationale
This intervention increases awareness of client's internal and external supports and is often appropriate for second sessions. Focus is not on "why" client is experiencing mad, sad, or scared emotion, but rather on what he or she can do to move toward more pleasant emotion.
Adaptations
1. Scribble mad, sad, or scared. Then scribble opposite emotion. 2. Depict yourself feeling mad, sad, or scared. Then depict yourself experiencing the opposite emotion. (Make list first, then depict emotions.)3. Elaborately create bridge and extend to edges of page. Ask client to pinpoint where they are on bridge. Ask client what needs to happen to move toward opposite emotion. Are any of those ideas within the client's control?4. Add "homework assignment" of recording at least one act of self-kindness per day until next visit. "You are worth the time!"