Clinical Terms

Emotional Regulation

The skills involved in noticing, understanding, and responding to emotions in flexible, intentional ways.

Emotional regulation refers to the skills involved in noticing emotions, understanding what they may be pointing to, and responding to them in flexible, intentional ways. It is not the same as suppressing emotions; healthy regulation usually means feeling more, not less, with more skill in how you respond.

This glossary is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions about your mental health, please speak with a licensed professional.