SUMO

This worksheet provides a structured approach for children to manage strong emotions through the “SUMO” strategy—Stop, Understand and Move On. It encourages children to pause, recognise their feelings, and take a calming breath before deciding their next steps.

Designed for use in therapeutic settings, it supports professionals in teaching emotional regulation strategies, making it easier for children to navigate feelings.

References and Further Reading 

  • Greenberg, L. S. (2004). Emotion-focused therapy. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 11(1), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.38.
  • Lynch, T. R., Schneider, K. S., & Hempel, R. J. (2013). That “poker face” just might lose you the game! The impact of expressive suppression and mimicry on sensitivity to facial expressions of emotion. Emotion, 13(5), 852–866. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0032847.
  • Mennin, D. S., & Fresco, D. M. (2013). Emotion regulation therapy. In J. J. Gross (Ed.), Handbook of Emotion Regulation (2nd ed., pp. 469–490). New York: Guilford Press.