Escaping the Emotional Roller Coaster: ACT for the Emotionally Sensitive, Paperback

If you have ever been told that you're 'too sensitive'; if you've ever felt overwhelmed by your emotions - as if they're controlling you and you can't seem to dial them back; if you've ever reacted in a way that you've later regretted, but you simply couldn't stop yourself at the time; or if you simply struggle to understand why you're feeling the way you are, then this is the book you've been waiting for. Drawing on her years of experience as a clinical psychologist, Dr Zurita Ona provides a clear and simple road map for every 'super-feeler' on how to avoid being hijacked by your emotions. Using the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as aspects of positive psychology, you will learn how to distinguish between emotion-based behavior and values-based behavior so that you can step back from an uncontrolled emotional response and instead choose a more appropriate one. The result is an effective way to combat the feelings of loneliness and fear of abandonment so many super-feelers experience, as you learn to build and maintain strong healthy relationships, and to look within to identify sources of pain and struggle rather than placing outward blame. Along the way, you will become adept at skills such as self-acceptance, forgiveness, compassion, mindfulness, and conflict resolution. In the end, super-feelers will discover the truth that they are more than their emotions, and that no matter how intense the situation, they can always choose to act in a way that is consistent with their personal values, in order to experience fulfilling, loving and caring relationships.

Dr. Patricia E. Zurita Ona, or Dr. Z., is a clinical psychologist who specializes in OCD, trauma, all types of anxiety and related conditions, and emotion dysregulation problems for children, teens, and adults. She's the director and founder of the East Bay Behavior Therapy Center, a private therapy center in Walnut Creek, California. In addition to private practice, Dr. Z. is a clinical faculty member for the Wright Institute, and regularly attends both national and international conferences.