The Grouport Journal

Explore all things mental health. Check out some of our latest journals below.

5 Signs a DBT Skills Group is Exactly What You Need

DBT

5 Signs a DBT Skills Group is Exactly What You Need

Do you feel like you can’t get ahead? Like life is just beating you down, or that challenges are overwhelming you to the point of chronic, debilitating anxiety, depression, PTSD, disordered eating, insomnia, or other mental health concerns? Do you feel like your emotions run your life, and you’re exhausted by the ups and downs? If these experiences are familiar to you, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, could be the solution you’re looking for. ‍If you’re unfamiliar with this type of tre

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How DBT Skills Help With Climate Anxiety

DBT

How DBT Skills Help With Climate Anxiety

As concerns rise for our climate and the future of our world, so does the anxiety that’s sweeping the planet. Increases in frequency of widespread wildfires and the length of wildfire season, along with rising temperatures and shifts in weather patterns leave many concerned and considering the long-term consequences for the Earth as well as the mental health of those who inhabit it. ‍The sobering ramifications of climate change are real, and present. It’s normal to react to these with emoti

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Understanding Anxiety Disorders and the Power of DBT

DBT

Understanding Anxiety Disorders and the Power of DBT

Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, affecting millions. These disorders take various forms, each with distinct characteristics and symptoms. Fortunately, therapeutic approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provide effective treatment options. Additionally, according to the U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services, there are five significant types of anxiety conditions, which will cover here. This article will delve into five common types of anxiety disorders and discuss how DBT can aid in managing their symptoms.

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DBT Skills for Coping With Job Loss

DBT

DBT Skills for Coping With Job Loss

Careers fulfill a number of functions in our lives, including satisfying our need to achieve, bringing us income, creating a sense of belonging and stability, and helping us to feel empowered and accomplished. Therefore, when losing a job (which can often be so integrated with your identity), we can notice an immediate and significant decline in your mental health. According to a Gallup poll in 2013, unemployed Americans are more than 2x as likely to be treated for depression as those with full-

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DBT Skills for Developing Self-Compassion

DBT

DBT Skills for Developing Self-Compassion

Although not frequently discussed when referring to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training, self-compassion is a beneficial and powerful side effect of this specialized type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). ‍Part of the reason DBT can result in a greater sense of self-compassion is that throughout the DBT modules, students will learn to activate their “wise mind,” which is essentially a stronger and more powerful awareness of yourself, your emotions, your instincts, and yo

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How DBT Skills Help With Everyday Stressors

DBT

How DBT Skills Help With Everyday Stressors

No matter who you are, the reality is that you will eventually deal with stress of some kind. This is a simple fact of human existence. Jobs, children, relationships, health, driving, you name it - everyone will experience stress.‍Unmanaged stress can increase your risk of conditions like obesity, heart disease, Alzheimers’s, depression, GI problems, diabetes, and asthma, along with chronic physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, and insomnia. ‍When looking to manage stress, it’s importan

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How DBT Helps with Bipolar Disorder

DBT

How DBT Helps with Bipolar Disorder

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques are being used in increasing measure in the treatment of various mood disorders and mental health conditions beyond their original intended use (for Borderline Personality Disorder), including for Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder is a highly recurrent and disabling condition marked by major depressive state and manic episodes. ‍The reason DBT shows evidence of success in treatment of Bipolar Disorder is likely because there is growing reason t

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DBT Skills to Know - Self-Soothing

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Self-Soothing

The Distress Tolerance module of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) incorporates a number of types of Distress Tolerance skills designed to help distract us and get us through challenging emotions in situations where we feel a loss of control. Decreasing emotional distress as a symptom of situational challenges is one of the primary goals of DBT. There are a number of skills trainings that go into the Distress Tolerance module which can help with this, including: ‍ACCEPTSTIP IMPRO

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DBT Skills to Know - Non-Judgmental Stance

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Non-Judgmental Stance

Developing a non-judgmental way of thinking is a critical component of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training, and falls under the Mindfulness module. Mindfulness helps teach participants to observe their own behavior, thoughts and feelings, and to stay grounded and present in the moment. Learning how to do this is the first step in developing new behaviors and making healthy changes. ‍The Mindfulness module of DBT focuses on our need to improve self-observation and awareness th

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DBT Skills to Know - Setting Goals

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Setting Goals

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally created for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder by Marsha Linehan in the 1970’s. This structured variation on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy consists of what is often a year-long process of walking through the four main modules, and usually involves both group therapy, individual therapy, and even on-call phone consultations to mitigate crisis situations in the patient’s life as they may arise. ‍While the initial phase of DBT invo

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How to Use DBT Skills to Cope in Crisis

DBT

How to Use DBT Skills to Cope in Crisis

If you’ve ever felt your emotions are so completely overwhelming that you can’t restabilize yourself and may return to unhealthy or high risk behaviors, DBT can help.  Helping individuals to cope in crisis situations is one of the primary goals of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The skills and tools taught throughout DBT can be used in a variety of circumstances and throughout many daily experiences to minimize stress and reduce emotional suffering. If you’re dealing with a high-st

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Utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Regulation: Three Quick Skills

DBT

Utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Regulation: Three Quick Skills

Anxiety can be an overwhelming and pervasive mental health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), emphasizing practical skills for managing distress and regulating emotions, can be useful for those looking to control their anxiety better. This article will highlight three quick DBT skills that can be used to regulate anxiety: "STOP," "TIPP," and "Wise Mind."

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Minimizing Symptoms of PTSD

DBT

Minimizing Symptoms of PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts about the event. While PTSD is a serious condition, there are effective ways to minimize its symptoms and regain control over one's life. This article will explore strategies for reducing symptoms of PTSD, including mindfulness, exposure therapy, and cognitive restructuring.

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DBT Skills to Know - Radical Acceptance

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Radical Acceptance

The concept of Radical Acceptance is rooted in the idea that all suffering originated not in pain, but in our attachment to pain. In fact, Radical Acceptance has origins in Buddhism with the tenant that relief from suffering begins first and foremost with acceptance. ‍As a Dialectical Behavior Therapy skill, Radical Acceptance refers to the ability to accept our situation when the circumstances are out of our control, which can reduce the suffering we feel. Instead of being attached to our

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DBT Skills to Know - Emotional Regulation

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Emotional Regulation

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches critical skills relative to Emotional Regulation, which is arguably relevant for people of all backgrounds, behavior types, and with or without mental health conditions. We can all benefit from greater emotional regulation. ‍While emotions are important and feelings are relative in our relationships and day to day life and processing (they help us communicate and understand our experiences), they can also create a great deal of emotional suffering

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DBT Skills to Know - How to Think and Act Dialectically

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - How to Think and Act Dialectically

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is, at its core, founded upon principles of Dialectical thinking, which involves an integration of two foundational opposites: acceptance and change. ‍Learning to think and act in a dialectical manner can open up your thought process and increase your awareness of the different nuances in the world around you, rather than allowing you to exist in extreme black and whites. Extreme highs and lows are what drive many of the mental health conditions DBT is use

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DBT Skills to Know - What is a “Wise Mind”?

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - What is a “Wise Mind”?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), is a specific type of psychotherapy under the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy umbrella that was curated for Borderline Personality Disorder. However, this type of therapy has been proven to be successful in the treatment of a myriad of other mental health conditions, including but not limited to anyone struggling with: Overwhelming emotions.Impulsive behavior.Self injury.Suicidal thoughts.Substance abuse.Eating disorders.PTSD and other trauma disorders.&nbsp

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How DBT Skills Help Manage Eating Disorders

DBT

How DBT Skills Help Manage Eating Disorders

Over 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating disorders are generally classified as a type of mental illness characterized by harmful behaviors related to food. Those with eating disorders (such as bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, ad more) usually struggle with impulsivity, compulsive behaviors, negative body image, and even coexisting conditions like depression, anxiety, and more. ‍Eating disorders are the second most deadly mental illness (the first is

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How DBT Helps with Managing Anxiety Disorders

DBT

How DBT Helps with Managing Anxiety Disorders

These days over 18% of US adults are living with an anxiety disorder. For many people living with chronic anxiety, experiencing a daily, significant and ongoing sense of fear or anxiety can lead to restlessness, panic attacks, isolation, poor sleep, and physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, body aches, stomach pain, and more. These and a host of other symptoms can be debilitating and may significantly decrease the sufferer’s quality of life. ‍Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is usu

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy: An Effective Approach for Depression

DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy: An Effective Approach for Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, decreased interest in activities, and difficulty functioning daily. While there are many treatment modalities for depression, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is particularly effective in providing individuals with tools to manage their symptoms. This article will delve into the ways DBT can aid in coping with depression.

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Minimizing Symptoms of PTSD

DBT

Minimizing Symptoms of PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts about the event. While PTSD is a serious condition, there are effective ways to minimize its symptoms and regain control over one's life. This article will explore strategies for reducing symptoms of PTSD, including mindfulness, exposure therapy, and cognitive restructuring.

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DBT Skills to Know - Radical Acceptance

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Radical Acceptance

The concept of Radical Acceptance is rooted in the idea that all suffering originated not in pain, but in our attachment to pain. In fact, Radical Acceptance has origins in Buddhism with the tenant that relief from suffering begins first and foremost with acceptance. ‍As a Dialectical Behavior Therapy skill, Radical Acceptance refers to the ability to accept our situation when the circumstances are out of our control, which can reduce the suffering we feel. Instead of being attached to our

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DBT Skills to Know - Emotional Regulation

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Emotional Regulation

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches critical skills relative to Emotional Regulation, which is arguably relevant for people of all backgrounds, behavior types, and with or without mental health conditions. We can all benefit from greater emotional regulation. ‍While emotions are important and feelings are relative in our relationships and day to day life and processing (they help us communicate and understand our experiences), they can also create a great deal of emotional suffering

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DBT Skills to Know - How to Think and Act Dialectically

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - How to Think and Act Dialectically

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is, at its core, founded upon principles of Dialectical thinking, which involves an integration of two foundational opposites: acceptance and change. ‍Learning to think and act in a dialectical manner can open up your thought process and increase your awareness of the different nuances in the world around you, rather than allowing you to exist in extreme black and whites. Extreme highs and lows are what drive many of the mental health conditions DBT is use

All Journals

Read More

DBT Skills to Know - What is a “Wise Mind”?

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - What is a “Wise Mind”?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), is a specific type of psychotherapy under the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy umbrella that was curated for Borderline Personality Disorder. However, this type of therapy has been proven to be successful in the treatment of a myriad of other mental health conditions, including but not limited to anyone struggling with: Overwhelming emotions.Impulsive behavior.Self injury.Suicidal thoughts.Substance abuse.Eating disorders.PTSD and other trauma disorders.&nbsp

All Journals

Read More

How DBT Skills Help Manage Eating Disorders

DBT

How DBT Skills Help Manage Eating Disorders

Over 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating disorders are generally classified as a type of mental illness characterized by harmful behaviors related to food. Those with eating disorders (such as bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, ad more) usually struggle with impulsivity, compulsive behaviors, negative body image, and even coexisting conditions like depression, anxiety, and more. ‍Eating disorders are the second most deadly mental illness (the first is

All Journals

Read More

How DBT Helps with Managing Anxiety Disorders

DBT

How DBT Helps with Managing Anxiety Disorders

These days over 18% of US adults are living with an anxiety disorder. For many people living with chronic anxiety, experiencing a daily, significant and ongoing sense of fear or anxiety can lead to restlessness, panic attacks, isolation, poor sleep, and physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, body aches, stomach pain, and more. These and a host of other symptoms can be debilitating and may significantly decrease the sufferer’s quality of life. ‍Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is usu

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy: An Effective Approach for Depression

DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy: An Effective Approach for Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, decreased interest in activities, and difficulty functioning daily. While there are many treatment modalities for depression, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is particularly effective in providing individuals with tools to manage their symptoms. This article will delve into the ways DBT can aid in coping with depression.

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Essential Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills: Distress Tolerance and Mindfulness

DBT

Essential Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills: Distress Tolerance and Mindfulness

Are you interested in learning more about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)? This unique form of psychotherapy - a variation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can be used for a wide variety of mental health issues and conditions. While DBT was specifically developed for treating individuals who have difficulty managing and regulating their own emotions, (such as with Borderline Personality Disorder), this treatment type has also been proven to be effective for a variety of other condi

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Is Group Therapy Beneficial for Borderline Personality Disorder?

BPD

Is Group Therapy Beneficial for Borderline Personality Disorder?

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a difficult challenge for many. The struggle to control thoughts, actions, and reactions permeates their everyday lives and relationships. Their sense of self is highly dependent on their mood swings and often chaotic relationships with others, and they have difficulty managing stress, conflict, and the emotions of others. Living with BPD essentially means coping with a pattern of regular instability that spans mood, behaviors, identity, commu

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Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Right for Me?

DBT

Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Right for Me?

Do you have intense emotional highs and lows? Maybe regularly find yourself engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, self-harm, eating disorders, and interpersonal conflict? Have you been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder? Or maybe you can identify with one of the following: ADHDAnorexia NervosaBulimia NervosaAnxiety DisordersMajor Depressive DisorderSuicidal BehaviorOCDPTSD‍If so, Dialectical Behavior Therapy may be the right treatment to get you back on

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How is DBT Different from CBT?

DBT

How is DBT Different from CBT?

Psychotherapy offers exclusive benefits as a treatment method which differs from traditional talk therapy. If you’re at all familiar with psychotherapy, you’ve probably heard the terms “DBT” and “CBT.” DBT stands for Dialectal Behavior Therapy, and CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. If you’re trying to decide which one is right for you, it’s important to understand the differences between the two. ‍Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT is closer in concept to traditional talk ther

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What Everyone Should Know About Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT

What Everyone Should Know About Dialectical Behavior Therapy

If you’re considering Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for you or a loved one, you probably already know the basics: DBT was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan specifically for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). DBT is a highly beneficial treatment for many individuals for various mental health disorders and conditions, and traditionally follows the same path or protocol of treatment through 4 key modules to achieve success. The 4 main stages of DBT are:&n

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How to Talk About Mental Health

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How to Talk About Mental Health

In today’s day and age, mental health is a HOT topic, and we’re excited about that! However, for many people entering a new, sometimes scary world of discussions about inner workings, mindset, worldviews, diagnoses, emotions, and more, it may be daunting to get pulled into a discussion about mental health. ‍If you’re struggling to understand what kind of language to use to participate in discussions around mental health, or even to discuss your own, this guide will help you get started on t

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4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT

4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is a modified version of another well-known type of psychotherapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The primary goal of DBT is to help individuals struggling with certain behaviors and mental health conditions to better cope with stress, regulate their emotions, stay present in every moment, and consequently improve the health of their relationships with others. ‍While DBT was initially developed to treat a specific condition - Borderline Perso

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The Top 5 Benefits of Online DBT Group Therapy

DBT

The Top 5 Benefits of Online DBT Group Therapy

When approaching Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), many people are surprised to find that online group sessions actively work on the skill development required to succeed. While it’s often presumed that DBT is most effective in a one-on-one setting, in reality DBT skills are best adopted in a group setting where members can actively practice their new skills and participate in discussion around common mental health challenges. ‍Benefit 1: Community & AccountabilityFor the majority of

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What Therapy is Best For Borderline Personality Disorder?

BPD

What Therapy is Best For Borderline Personality Disorder?

When it comes to Borderline Personality Disorder, there is currently only one empirically-supported treatment protocol for this condition: Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT. A form of psychotherapy developed in the late 1980s by Dr Marsha Linehan, this treatment protocol is based on cognitive behavioral principles applied in specific ways in order to target common symptoms of BPD such as chaotic relationships, emotional lability, instability, and impulsivity. Over the last few decad

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What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Used For?

DBT

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Used For?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT, was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan following extensive use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). DBT was developed specifically because it became clear that CBT was not fully effective for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). In order to improve treatment for BPD, Dr. Linehan and colleagues created and tested additional techniques in order to achieve greater success as they sought to improve the health and wellbeing of t

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What Is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

DBT

What Is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is a modified version of another well-known type of psychotherapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The primary goal of DBT is to help individuals struggling with certain behaviors and mental health conditions to better cope with stress, regulate their emotions, stay present in every moment, and consequently improve the health of their relationships with others. ‍While DBT was initially developed to treat a specific condition - Borderline Perso

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What Are Therapies For OCD?

OCD

What Are Therapies For OCD?

The road to treatment for OCD can be a difficult one, and often requires significant courage and determination to succeed. Establishing a healthy level of support from a group can encourage you during the treatment process and is a healthy and beneficial step as you get started. ‍ERP & SRIsThe majority of psychologists will agree that the best and most effective treatments for OCD are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in combination with medication such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (

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