Table 1 Content of the Think Cool Act Cool emotion regulation training
Session | Session components Think Cool module | Session components Act Cool module |
|---|---|---|
Introduction session | • participant and clinician get to know each other • training objectives are explained • brainstorm about words for anger • formulate personal training goals | |
Session 1 / 6 | • make or adjusta an anger thermometer, based on situations, bodily sensations and cognitions • explain the Think Cool Chain • practice with regulation strategy ‘think about something fun’ (cognitive distraction) • introduce at-home assignments | • make or adjusta an anger thermometer, based on situations, bodily sensations and behaviors • explain the Act Cool Chain • practice with regulation strategy ‘do something fun’ (behavioral distraction) • introduce at-home assignments |
Session 2 / 7 | • look back and discuss at-home assignments • practice regulation strategy ‘talk in your head’ (cognitive relaxation) • practice regulation strategy ‘helping thoughts’ (cognitive reappraisal) • summarize and discuss new at-home assignment | • look back and discuss at-home assignments • practice regulation strategy deep breathing (behavioral relaxation) • practice regulation strategy ‘time out’ (behavioral modification) • summarize and discuss new at-home assignment |
Session 3 / 8 | • look back and discuss at-home assignment • practice to look at a situation from multiple viewpoints • introduce cognitive problem solving • practice perspective taking • summarize and discuss new at-home assignment | • look back and discuss at-home assignment • practice behavioral problem solving skills (set a boundary, ask for help, ask for an explanation) • summarize and discuss new at-home assignment |
Session 4 / 9 | • look back and discuss at-home assignment • practice cognitive problem solving • summarize and discuss new at-home assignment | • look back and discuss at-home assignment • practice behavioral problem solving in difficult situations (accusations, disappointments, frustration) • summarize and discuss new at-home assignment |
Session 5 / 10 | • look back and discuss at-home assignment • practice complete Think Cool Chain | • look back and discuss at-home assignments • practice complete Act Cool Chain |