When most people think about ways of maintaining healthy relationships, individuals often consider working on boundaries within relationships. Boundaries is a term that refers to the limits and rules that are set within relationships. For example, my boundaries might include establishing that other people need to knock on the door before entering my room, that … Read more
The clinicians at CCDBT have written numerous blogs about shame, likely because we all have a wealth of experience working with people who see themselves as “less than” or “not enough.” One way to combat shame is to build self-respect, and DBT has a skill specifically designed to help people do exactly that. The FAST … Read more
While pride month just ended, I wanted to highlight the importance of being an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, especially LGBTQ+ youth. The primary source I’ll be referencing is The Trevor Project. If you are unaware of this resource, I encourage you to check them out! They are a nonprofit organization that’s number one mission … Read more
If you are experiencing a high-conflict relationship, whether as a parent or partner with a loved one, you are not alone. Many families struggle with managing disagreement and tension, which can make it challenging to experience the positive moments in a relationship and find deeper connection. Although relationships are complex, there is a burgeoning science … Read more
Each type of therapy has its way of viewing the people it’s designed to treat. DBT therapists who practice adherently are trained to make certain assumptions about all of their clients. One of the most important things to remember about assumptions is that they are not facts. Assumptions, by their definition, are beliefs someone accepts … Read more
If you weren’t aware, July 5th was National Workaholics Day! While the exact origin of “Workaholics Day” is unknown, the intention behind it is to increase a better balance between work and personal life for those who struggle to decrease work. I’m sure many of us have heard the term “workaholic” and possibly even used … Read more
Dr. Marsha Linehan, the creator of DBT, explains there many infinite painful and distressing events which occur in our lives, and yet there are a limited number of responses available to us. She categorized these responses into four groups. I present these options to clients (and myself) when there are difficulties moving forward on a … Read more
Sexual fluidity refers to ways that sexual orientation evolves over the lifespan. Some individuals have a considerable degree of sexual fluidity, while other individuals experience their sexual orientation as primarily stable throughout their lifespan. Understanding sexual fluidity is important to decrease stigma toward individuals that may experience shifts in their sexual orientation labels or the … Read more
Through theories like Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and experiments like psychologist Harry Harlow’s infamous attachment study, scholars have demonstrated that individuals have an innate need for love, belonging, and relationships. Individuals often experience challenges getting these needs fulfilled however when they are faced with conflict while navigating their relationships. One of the most prominent … Read more
Managing Conflict between Parents and Adolescents regarding Gender Identity If you are a parent or adolescent with conflict or disagreement about how to approach the topic of gender identity, you are not alone. While each generation of parenting brings different challenges, conflict between parents and children regarding gender identity is particularly difficult due to the … Read more