How to Identify + Manage Your Emotional Triggers - Terri Cole

Do certain people, conversations, or situations provoke an amplified response from you?

Do you find yourself extremely upset by specific TV or movie content?

Or do you get really bothered when people ask you about particular topics?

If you have noticed these somewhat “disproportionate” reactions in yourself, today’s episode on emotional triggers is for you.

I am breaking down the nature of emotional triggers, walking you through a process of decoding what these triggers might mean for you, and giving you action steps you can take to protect yourself.

TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction
1:58 - Emotional triggers in everyday life we experience
4:00 - Triggers come from within us (examples)
9:45 - How to identify emotional triggers & protect yourself
15:00 - Taking responsibility for our triggers (excluding abuse)

RELATED VIDEOS:

ABOUT TERRI COLE
Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist, global relationship and empowerment expert, and the author of Boundary Boss-The Essential Guide to Talk True, Be Seen and (Finally) Live Free.

For over two decades, Terri has worked with a diverse group of clients that includes everyone from stay-at-home moms to celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs.

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RESOURCES:

I’m not currently taking any new one-on-one therapy or coaching clients, but highly recommend using BetterHelp to find a therapist that fits your needs. As a team, we have fully vetted BetterHelp's resources. If you choose to sign up for Better Help's service, I will receive a commission on the referral but please know that I only recommend services that I know & trust.

#terricoleshow #emotionaltriggers #emotionalregulation

[kimmarieburt]

My older brother picked on me and never apologized sincerely. Now, when someone offends me I remain in relationship with them hoping for them to acknowledge their wrongdoing and say they’re sorry. When they don’t I’m disappointed and I want distance. I don’t want to be in relationship with people who can’t own up when they’ve hurt me.

[bethany_burns]

Hello! My name is Bethany. My therapist recommended a few of your videos about managing boundaries. I am so appreciative of your videos and wisdom and advice. Your experience is so helpful, I can’t even tell you.

Thank you so much, Terri.

[symphony]

It's good to be aware of why certain things trigger us. Yet we don't necessarily have to react in the same way every time. We can take a step back and realize what's going on inside us.

[bouclesbrunes]

Such good content!!! You just justified years of me refusing to watch films about slavery (I am a woman of color) and the news. Both make me feel super anxious and at times sick to my stomach. My husband has been teasing me for years. As you said, I prefer to read about events and will only rarely watch, except if I know I can stop the video if I want to.
This makes me feel so much better because you have given me the knowledge and tools to set my boundary more clearly. Also, I just learned I might be an empath 🤯😵, which explains so many things!!! Thank you!!

[Zetos]

This is so important for nourishing your friendships and relationships. I had a lot of insecurity issues in my early twenties, and when I started seeing how I was making my partner at the time feel, I began to realize it was me. From that point on, I took ownership over my triggered feelings, and even started to see friendships in a new light. Even when something normal upsets me, I give the other person the benefit of the doubt now and trust that they weren't trying to bother me.

[beverlyhogan]

I like the way you normalize the experience of emotional triggers and how you make it clear that it comes from within. You make it easy to see that we can ask others to accommodate us in our management of our triggers but that it is our “side of the street”. As always, THANK YOU!

[MariaTheLioness]

Very thought-provoking! And I find Terri's voice so calming and assuring...it just gives this feeling that everything will be alright and that I'll figure everything out!❤ thank you!❤

[JamaicanBeauty]

Thank you for sharing. I never thought of making a decision in an environment I didn't like.

[toddamngus]

Thank you for NOT HAVING BACK GROUND MUSIC OR
This is my first time here.

[AnthonySanchez-oikl]

Just wanted to say thank you for your videos and all the knowledge that I gain from them once again thank you

[josephinemackenzie]

Great conversation, episode topic. I relate on many levels. Especially with the father daughter topic, and I do the same regarding being around people who are drunk. I am intolerant and choose to protect and prioritize myself.

[suziesevra]

My triggers are alcohol, domestic violence, yelling, I'm survivor of D/V and I have moved on. Thank God.
I love ALL your veidos, they've helped me in so many ways.
Narcissist is a very good topic, & gaslighting.
Love you Terri.

[evamussio]

I share your thoughts about being drunk/sober..! From a very early age I never wanted to feel out of control or at other people's bay xxx

[lindagross]

this episode is so important for me. Thank you for explaning it. My family/sibling triggers were in full action today. I calmly said I would not get invovled. I tried to take care of myself and I think I did. I did call a good friend who helped me with my feeings of anger and pain. It was quite triggering! Thanks you Terri!! I am printing the guide.

[marianapretti]

I’ve been learning a lot from you Terri, you have no idea. Thank you very much for making these videos and educating me on how to heal. ❤

[nilepearl]

Very useful. Please we need one for trauma trigger ... Thank you !

[lavannyagoradia]

this is so on point for me. I have so much to thank you for today. I needed this permission so much. Thank you for the wisdom terri. Boundaries!!! here I come!

[Foodiefoto]

Love this episode...I am learning to understand this on a very deep level...thank you!! As a horror film fan...the line "the call is coming from in the house" well that really puts it in perspective...Great episode!

[canicebarbone]

This episode is so needed for me. Triggers can start a depressive cycle for me.

[marilynoverton]

Terri, the distinctions you make are so helpful. Thanks for all your insights.