Coping Skills Training (CST)

Coping skills training (CST) is a behavioral therapy that targets stress. It can entail “mood boosters” for mild problems (test taking, public speaking) and more structured exercises for severe anxiety (phobias or agoraphobia) or life transitions (divorce, illness)—using music, art, journaling, meditation practices, or talking to a friend. Unhealthy coping skills can temporarily numb pain—but can also introduce longer-term health and behavior issues.CST subtypes treat childhood abuse/neglect, eating disorders, personality disorders, and interpersonal issues:

• Proactive coping is more effective than reactive to anticipate/manage future situations, including predictable (income decline in retirement) and unpredictable (chronic health condition) changes.
• Emotion-focused coping (EFC) temporarily minimizes distress when things are beyond our control (death in the family) so we look after ourself in a healthy way. It help enhancing empathy and deepen personal and emotional experiences.
• Problem-focused coping (PFC) changes or removes a stressor or changes behavior to resolve a problem—like changing jobs or ending an unhealthy relationship—asking for support, problem-solving, establishing healthy boundaries, or walking away from a stressor.