How to build self-esteem

"Thoughts" written on chalkboard

Sometimes our brains can be our own worst enemies. Our brains are hardwired to see the negative in every situation and that can lead to a lot of difficult emotions. When this happens, it can be easy to go into a downward spiral- not just thinking about the negative thoughts but believing them to be … Read more

Living Your Life Worth Living

Sign reading "love what you do and do what you love"

Many people who seek out DBT are grappling with behaviors that led them to living lives they find miserable and small. Behaviors such as: Suicidal ideation and wanting to die Self-harm, such as cutting, burning, skin picking Substance abuse Chronic stress in relationships or not having relationships you want Compulsive sexual behavior Disordered eating And … Read more

Sleep and Mental Health

Wooden tiles reading "get good sleep"

It is probably not much of a stretch to say that we have all struggled to get sleep from time to time. Sometimes lack of sleep can be attributed to illness, aches or pains, a lumpy mattress, or insomnia. Other times, it is because it feels like your brain just won’t just shut down, your … Read more

Choosing a Competent Dialectical Behavior Therapist

Graduate

When investing time, energy, and resources into an evidence-based psychotherapy, a person seeking services can greatly benefit from receiving information regarding the competence of specific mental health therapists. Trying to gauge the competence of a therapist can be particularly elusive, as a consumer, in part due to a wide range of marketing efforts and claims … Read more

Holidays: Supporting a Loved One With an Eating Disorder

family at table

‘Tis the season when so many different holidays are being celebrated around the world. From Thanksgiving to Hanukkah, to Rosh Hashanah, to Christmas, there are so many holidays being celebrated. Most holidays have some elements in common—traditions being observed and celebrated with family and food. While this is a joyous time for many, those with … Read more

Self-Compassion

The words, "Love Yourself" on a grate surrounded by roses

Have you ever noticed the voice in your head? You know, the one that narrates everything that goes on around you? Have you ever noticed the way that voice sounds or how that voice speaks to you? A lot of people notice that their internal voice tends to be remarkably mean—the voice will say hurtful … Read more

What is DBT Skills Group?

People gathered around a table with pens and papers

A core element of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is the DBT skills training group. Skills training groups are designed to teach individuals the DBT skills and increase their ability to solve day-to-day problems, particularly regarding emotion dysregulation. For individuals who can benefit from a comprehensive program, DBT skills group is combined with individual therapy, phone … Read more

DBT: Improve Stability and Satisfaction in Relationships

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is the “gold standard” treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD), with accumulating evidence that DBT is also effective for a range of mental health difficulties with underlying emotion dysregulation. Although only one to two percent of the general population likely meets criteria for BPD, many individuals have difficulties regulating their emotions … Read more

The Multifamily Group Format and Why It Is Helpful

Dr. Desirae Allen, Cincinnati DBT therapist, sits in a chair

  Hey all. This is Desirae with CCDBT. I am one of the clinicians and also one of the skills trainers for our multifamily group. I wanted to take a few minutes to address a question that we often get here at CCDBT: “why is the multifamily group format helpful?” So, the goal is to … Read more

Suicide: Taking the Bull by the Horns

Bull

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is one of the relatively few evidence-based treatments that has been found to be effective at reducing suicidal ideation and behaviors. An added benefit is that the participation in DBT is associated with reducing the use of costly crisis services such as psychiatric hospitalizations and emergency room visits. In DBT, psychiatric hospitalization is avoided whenever possible. Yes, even when a client is experiencing a suicidal crisis! This is done as there is no evidence suggesting that acute inpatient hospitalization is effective at either reducing suicidal risk or treating suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In fact, there is substantial data indicating that people recently discharged from an inpatient psychiatric hospital are at an elevated risk for suicide (Chung, et al., 2017; Forte, et al., 2019).

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