Misplaced Anger and Emotional Dysregulation
Helping Big Feelings Make More Sense — For Kids and Parents Alike
At KidsHeart Medical Center, we meet children who are often misunderstood. They seem “too angry,” “too sensitive,” or “too explosive” — but underneath those outbursts are feelings they can’t name, manage, or explain.
Emotional dysregulation is a mental health symptom that involves trouble controlling your emotions and how you act on those feelings.
To those around you, your emotions and reactions will seem out of proportion compared to what you’re reacting to. It’s similar and closely linked to executive dysfunction.
Our child psychology team offers calm, structured support for emotional control challenges in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain.
What Is Emotional Dysregulation?
It’s when a child struggles to:
- Recognize and name their feelings
- Calm down after feeling upset
- React appropriately to small setbacks
- Control anger, fear, sadness, or excitement
Children may:
- Have intense outbursts over minor frustrations
- Hit, scream, or cry suddenly
- Struggle to explain why they’re upset
- Apologize after — but still repeat the pattern
- Bottle emotions until they burst
It’s not always about discipline — it’s often about emotional development.
When Should You Seek Help?
Consider an evaluation if your child:
- Has frequent meltdowns or angry outbursts
- Can’t seem to calm down once triggered
- Reacts with physical aggression when upset
- Shows emotional shifts that are intense or prolonged
- Has trouble expressing what’s wrong
- Is affecting classroom behavior, family routines, or friendships
If your child’s emotions seem “too big” — we’re here to explore why, and how to help.
How We Support Emotional Regulation
Our process includes:
- Detailed Parent and Child Interviews: We look at emotional triggers, daily patterns, and past experiences.
- Emotion and Behavior Observation: We assess how your child manages frustration, transitions, and boundaries.
- Screening for Co-Occurring Concerns: Anxiety, ADHD, sensory processing issues, or trauma may contribute.
- Emotional Regulation Strategy Plan: We teach age-appropriate coping tools — not just for the child, but for the family too.
- Ongoing Counseling or Therapy Referral: For some, regular emotional coaching or CBT sessions are recommended.
We focus on helping your child feel more in control — and helping you feel more confident in how to respond.
Why Families Trust KidsHeart
- Psychologists trained in emotion-focused child therapy
- Calm, structured sessions that reduce shame and blame
- Strategies tailored to age, temperament, and home life
- Support for school behavior and peer challenges
- Located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain
Because emotional regulation isn’t automatic — it’s learned. And we can teach it together.
Dr. Dolly Habbal
Consultant Psychologist – PhD in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Deiaaeldin Adel Hosny
Consultant Clinical Psychologist – American Psychology Association & British Psychological Society
No Doctors found! with ID: 12483
Feel Like Your Child’s Emotions Are Running the Day? Let’s Bring Calm Back In.
We provide a full assessment profile for all executive functions, emotional, mood, and maladaptive Behaviour, with a clinical report, and psychotherapeutic intervention programs.
If your child’s feelings are overwhelming — for them or you — it’s time to get help that works.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Not always. Intensity can be natural, but when it causes distress or dysfunction, support helps.
Often. ADHD, anxiety, autism, or sensory issues can all affect emotional control.
Some do, but many need tools to manage emotions as they grow.
Yes. Emotional coaching, CBT, and structured strategies build resilience over time.
Yes — your responses matter, and we help guide them supportively.