Is this a coping skill or avoidance? by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
What is a coping skill?
Acknowledging that your distress is occurring
Noticing the thoughts that you are experiencing
Validating the presence of distress, instead of trying to ignore it or push it away
Using helpful and effective strategies to manage the distress
What is avoidance?
Distracting yourself so that you do not have to pay attention to your distress
Wishing that the distress would go away
Experiencing increased, or more frequent, distress
Why it matters
Coping skills can help to build resilience and confidence that you can handle unwanted distress when it occurs. We cannot choose what happens to us, but we can choose how we will respond to it and how we will take care of ourselves because of it.
You don’t have to do this alone. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consult.
My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I work with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
(NOTE: This video was filmed when my office was at a previous location. I am now located in Irvine, CA)
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.