DBT Skills

Courageously Facing Fears Increases Positive Emotions

When therapeutic practices were first being developed, one of the major challenges that researchers faced was designing treatments that reliably succeeded in helping people with decreasing excessive fear and increasing positive emotional experiences. Although therapy has advanced considerably today, we recognize that evidence-based techniques to manage excessive fear and other uncomfortable emotional experiences, are sometimes … Read more

DBT for Addiction

One arm in handcuffs with the other arm breaking free from handcuffs; blue sky in the background

What is addiction? The term addiction is frequently linked to substance abuse. However, the brain doesn’t care what is causing the good feeling (chemicals, gambling, gaming, eating, sex, shopping, caffeine, etc.), it just wants more of it! Because these experiences are highly rewarding, there is a risk that they become addictive. Especially, if there is … Read more

How to Maintain Sobriety on St Patrick’s Day

Pink journal that says, "Plan, pause, reflect" on the cover, held by DBT therapist Dr. Desirae Allen at Cincinnati Center for DBT. DBT skills are helpful in maintaining sobriety from alcohol and drugs.

Whether you’re Irish or not, St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated throughout the U.S. with, what seems like, the main goal being to drink as much as possible. This time of year can be especially challenging for those trying to maintain their sobriety. For one, winter weather doesn’t help inspire positive emotions in many of … Read more

What is Comprehensive DBT?

Photo of DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets by Marsha Linehan and mindfulness bowl. These are part of adherent DBT offered at Cincinnati Center for DBT

“DBT didn’t work for me.” More often than not, when we hear this from new clients, it’s because they actually, in fact, did not receive DBT. Many mental health providers are familiar with DBT skills or have attended a few workshops, but few have undergone the rigorous training and supervision to provide DBT as it … Read more

What is DBT Phone Coaching?

Have you ever been in an emotional crisis? Maybe you’ve had some difficult, everyday situation and you don’t know what to do about it. Or, maybe you struggle with suicidal thoughts, addiction, or some other maladaptive behaviors and you’re right on the brink of doing the one thing you’ve sworn to yourself you weren’t going … Read more

DBT Skills for Mother’s Day

A person holding a bouquet of flowers for Mother's Day

Although Mother’s Day can bring a lot of joy and celebration, it can also bring up a lot of pain, sadness, and anger. It can be difficult to cope with Mother’s Day for a variety of reasons: your mother or children may no longer be in your life due to death or estrangement; you may … Read more

DBT Skills for COVID-19, Part 3: Change

A mobile phone with a covid contact detection app that says, "897 tested, 1 New Cases, 0 Deceased"

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken so many aspects of our lives. We are being forced to live our lives very differently right now and it makes sense that a lot of different intense emotions would come up. In this five-part series, I will discuss five of the most common ways I’ve seen COVID-19 shake people’s … Read more