Coping skills are bound to come up in therapy. Counselors love to help client’s brainstorm ways they can manage their stress and anxiety. A coping skill can be anything that distracts you from your negative thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Coping skills might not be a long term solution to your problems, but they can provide you some temporary relief. Now there is such a thing as a bad coping skill. Think the basic bad habits people talk about: drinking to excess, smoking, attention seeking behaviors, overspending gambling, you get my drift. You want to make sure the coping skills you employ are HEALTHY! 

Below you can find a list of some of my favorite coping skills to recommend to client’s.

Coping Skills:
Write in a journal
Draw
Write down 5 things you are thankful for 
Listen to music
Take a bath
Play with a pet
Spend time in nature
Clean the house 
Read a book
Meditate
Use aromatherapy
Play a game   
Cook a meal
Practice breathing exercises
Color
Do yoga
Make a cozy drink
Stretch
Go for a walk
Call a friend
Do your nails
Play with a fidget toy
Make a to do list
Write in a planner
Go for a run
Play an instrument
Write a friend a note

Counseling for Young Adults in Akron, Ohio

As a therapist who works primarily with young adults,  I understand campus life better than most private practice therapists.  I have experience helping other young adults navigate the stressful college years and I enjoy counseling college students.  I see a variety of people in my Akron, Ohio counseling office. I treat people with depression, anxiety, religious trauma and gender dysphoria.  Still have questions? Get answers to common questions about counseling here or simply schedule a counseling session today to get started!