“Because if things don’t change, I’m going to explode, hurt myself, punch someone,” etc., follow with, “Really…. Please keep talking so I make certain I really understand this” (said without question or sarcasm, but in a way to emphasize that you are really listening). Then say, “If that’s the case, let’s figure out how to get through this so you don’t do something that will make a really bad situation worse. I know we can, because you’ve been here before and you got through it. In fact, while we’re at it, let’s figure out a solution so you never have to get to this place again.”
