1. Steps to Problem Solving
1. “Barb” occurs
2. What are your physiological responses?
3. Stop!
4. Take a deep breath.
5. Relax in a way that works best for you.
6. Try to notice how you are feeling.
7. Try to notice what you are thinking.
8. Decide if you were thinking of a trouble statement (he always..., she never..., everyone _____s..., etc.), a coping statement, or a fact.
9. If you were thinking of a coping statement, congratulate yourself.
10. Try to change a trouble statement to a coping statement.
11. Ask yourself what I can do to make situation better.