Former McHenry educator teaches method for self-management

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McHENRY – After teaching health education for 33 years at McHenry’s two high schools, Ray Mathis now runs what he calls a “one-man campaign.”

Mathis, 58, of McHenry offers free curriculum and guest speaking on all issues related to teens, from substance abuse to sex education.

In receiving his primary certification in rational emotive behavioral therapy and education, Mathis developed the ABC System of Cognitive, Emotional and Behavioral Self-Management and Self-Improvement.

He began teaching it to his students in 1998.

“Years ago, probably three decades ago, I realized doing what we normally do in health education wasn’t enough,” Mathis said. “It has nothing to do with how much information and advice we give. ... I started looking for a better way to do things.”

Mathis teaches five life skills that all pare down to emotional management.

He focuses on showing that the causes for people’s actions are thoughts and feelings, not life events.

“To me, if a kid says, ‘Well that really makes me mad,’ I’d say, ‘Did that make you mad, or did you make yourself mad?’ ” Mathis said. “The bigger the difference between the way you look at the world and the way things really are, the more emotion you’re going to be feeling.”

Using an example of the recent spike in heroin-related deaths in McHenry County, Mathis said drug users turned to those vices because they served a purpose – whether it be a temporary relief or avoiding everyday situations.

“If you have a lot of depression, or you have a lot of anxiety, you’re going to try drugs more often,” he said. “By teaching emotional management, we eliminate or at least reduce the purpose.”

“The knowledge by itself isn’t sufficient enough to prevent those mistakes,” Mathis added.

Although his message might take some time to sink in, Mathis said, it’s worked for his past students.

He recently received an e-mail from one who uses the steps for emotional management every day, like Mathis himself.

Mathis also is author of the book “It’s Just an Event: It’s Your Choice How You Want to Feel.” He recently spoke during two national conventions and will attend a third in November. There, he will give an hourlong presentation on applying his method to teenage pregnancy, STDs, and human sexuality.

Through speaking engagements, Mathis said, he hopes this form of education will be added to more schools.

“I never give up on anything,” Mathis said. “I know the potentials because I know what goes on with kids.

“There’s so much more we could be doing.”

On the Net

For information and to find Mathis’ book or schedule him for a presentation, visit www.itsjustanevent.com.