Emotional regulation - The Third Space
The Third Space helps you manage your emotional and cognitive state as you move between activities. By creating a short mental pause between one ‘space’ and the next, you can reset how you want to think, feel and behave before supporting others.
What you will learn
The way we transition between activities can influence how we show up for others. The Third Space helps you avoid carrying unhelpful thoughts, emotions or behaviours from one situation into another.
This animation describes:
- What the Third Space is and why transitions matter.
- The three phases of the Third Space: Reflect, Rest and Reset.
- How to use short pauses to learn from one activity, let go of what is unhelpful and prepare for what comes next.
- How emotional regulation can help you provide more present, focused and effective support.
Related resources
- Emotional regulation - The Third Space - User Guide.pdf (PDF • 148 kb)
- Supporting Others - Action Learning Guide (PDF • 148 kb)
- Learn more
- Video: Three simple steps to not take a bad day home, opens in a new tab, Dr Adam Fraser
- Book: The Third Space, opens in a new tab, Dr Adam Fraser