If rejection, criticism, or feeling left out can send emotions spiraling, this workbook is here to help.
Skills for Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is a practical, supportive guide for tweens and teens who experience intense emotional reactions to perceived or real rejection, including when they make mistakes or feel criticized or corrected. With clear language, relatable comics, and hands-on activities, this workbook helps readers understand what's happening in their brain and body when their rejection alarm goes off.
Many kids with ADHD or rejection sensitivity experience intense emotional reactions to perceived or real criticism and rejection. This workbook teaches practical coping skills that help young people slow down, regulate their emotions, and respond more thoughtfully when their rejection alarm is activated.
This book teaches kids how to recognize their RSD alarm early, identify triggers, and respond with tools that truly work. Readers learn the P.A.U.S.E. strategy, practice breathing and body-based coping skills, explore the difference between thoughts and facts, build self-compassion, and learn how to repair relationships after big reactions.
This workbook is especially helpful for:- Tweens and teens with rejection sensitive dysphoria or rejection sensitivity
- Kids with ADHD who experience intense emotional reactions
- Students working on emotional regulation and coping skills
- Counselors, therapists, and parents supporting neurodivergent kids
Inside this workbook, readers will learn how to:- Recognize rejection sensitive dysphoria triggers
- Understand the brain and body’s rejection alarm
- Use the P.A.U.S.E. strategy to slow down emotional reactions
- Practice breathing and body-based emotional regulation skills
- Separate thoughts from facts when emotions run high
- Build self-compassion after mistakes or criticism
- Repair friendships and relationships after big reactions
Kids can use it independently, in counseling sessions, or with a grown-up's support. There's no pressure to complete every page or master every strategy. Readers are encouraged to go at their own pace, choose what feels helpful, and return to strategies later as needed.
Written by a licensed mental health counselor and brought to life with engaging comic-style illustrations, Skills for Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria helps young people feel less alone and more in control. It gives them practical tools to navigate friendships, school challenges, and everyday stress with greater confidence and clarity.
Editorial Reviews
"An absolutely fantastic resource for teachers, therapists, and parents of preteens and teens who struggle with rejection, and I wish it had been around when I was in middle school." – Amy Marschall, Psy.D., Author of A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to ADHD
"It will undoubtedly help anyone who experiences Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, as well as sensitive persons everywhere. This new and immediate classic offers validation, practical tools, and will help any reader build confidence to truly thrive." –
Christine Babinec, MA, LPC, NCC, Author of Want a Hug? Consent and Boundaries for Kids "The comics bring the ideas to life in ways that engage kids, while the practical strategies give them clear, actionable tools they can use. This workbook will be invaluable for children and teens struggling with RSD." –
Liana Lowenstein, MSW, RSW, CPT-S, Author of The Game Therapy Toolbox"This is a clear, relatable, and practical guide that helps young people understand and navigate difficult emotions with confidence."
– L. Robin, B.P.E., B.Ed., M.Ed., P.B.D.E., Author of I Want You To Be YouCasey O'Brien Martin is a passionate person who aspires to bring out the best in each person she works with. She's the author of Skills for Big Feelings: A Guide for Teaching Kids Relaxation, Regulation, and Coping Techniques, Let's Talk About Friendship, and Social-Emotional IEP and Treatment Plan Objectives. She has a Master of Arts in expressive arts therapy and mental health counseling from Lesley University. She is a licensed School Social Worker, a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and a Registered Nurse. She has experience working with diverse populations in schools, hospitals, group homes, community centers, and outpatient treatment environments.¿¿Casey considers working with children each day a privilege. Her specialization includes using the arts and a holistic approach to help each child grow as a confident and independent person. She has a longstanding interest in mind/body medicine. She combines her unique background in expressive arts therapy, nursing, and mental health counseling, with herbalism studies to craft comprehensive mind-body programs to help each child reach their highest potential. To learn more about her work, please visit http://www.wholechildcounseling.com.
