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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 - 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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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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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 - 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 - 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 - 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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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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Navigating the Complex Landscape of Attributions of Malintent

Mental Health

Navigating the Complex Landscape of Attributions of Malintent

In our daily lives, we constantly make assumptions and judgments about the motives of others. One common pattern of thought is attributing malintent - assuming that another person's actions were driven by negative or harmful intentions. Understanding this concept, its origins, and its impact on relationships and communication can prove insightful.

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Exploring the Dichotomy: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People

Mental Health

Exploring the Dichotomy: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People

One of the most enduring and perplexing questions we grapple with as human beings is why bad things happen to good people. This question is at the intersection of theology, philosophy, and psychology, revealing deeper truths about the human condition, perception, and our quest for fairness and justice.

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The Psychology Behind Cheating and Lying

Relationship Issues

The Psychology Behind Cheating and Lying

Cheating and lying are two behaviors that have fascinated psychologists for decades, sparking a wealth of research into understanding the motivations and psychological processes that underlie these actions. This article aims to shed light on the complex psychological mechanisms involved in cheating and lying.

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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Do Narcissists Know They Are Narcissists?

Mental Health

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Do Narcissists Know They Are Narcissists?

Narcissism, characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others, is a term that originated from Greek mythology. But do individuals with narcissistic tendencies recognize these traits within themselves? This article explores this intriguing query.

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Understanding and Addressing Selfishness in Adult Children

Mental Health

Understanding and Addressing Selfishness in Adult Children

The transition of children from adolescence to adulthood is often accompanied by a shift in their behavior and attitude. While it's natural for grown children to assert independence, an extreme focus on self-interest can result in behaviors deemed as selfish. This article delves into understanding and managing selfish behavior in adult children.

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Unveiling the Drama of the Gifted Child: An Insightful Exploration

Mental Health

Unveiling the Drama of the Gifted Child: An Insightful Exploration

The term "gifted child" typically brings to mind an individual possessing extraordinary abilities or talents, often excelling beyond their peers in one or several domains. However, this gift doesn't come without its challenges. Often, a gifted child's inner world is rife with complex experiences, dilemmas, and conflicts - a phenomenon often referred to as the "drama of the gifted child".

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Eyes of Ice: Unraveling the Mystery of Serial Killers' Gazes

Mental Health

Eyes of Ice: Unraveling the Mystery of Serial Killers' Gazes

The eyes are often referred to as the windows to the soul, supposedly revealing an individual's underlying emotions, thoughts, and characteristics. This concept becomes especially intriguing when applied to serial killers, individuals whose cruel actions have captivated and horrified societies throughout history. Many have observed a distinctive look in the eyes of these individuals, often described as cold, emotionless, or predatory.

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The Power of Connection: Unraveling the Practice of Relational Therapy

Mental Health

The Power of Connection: Unraveling the Practice of Relational Therapy

Relational therapy, also known as relational-cultural therapy, is a psychological approach rooted in the belief that mutually satisfying relationships with others are key to mental health. This form of therapy emphasizes the importance of social interactions and relationships in shaping an individual's self-image, emotions, and overall well-being.

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Sneaky Shadows: Understanding 'I'm Sorry You Feel That Way' and Other Gaslighting Tactics

Mental Health

Sneaky Shadows: Understanding 'I'm Sorry You Feel That Way' and Other Gaslighting Tactics

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation wherein a person is made to question their own perception, memory, or sanity, often leading to cognitive dissonance and emotional distress. It can take on many forms, including the seemingly innocuous phrase "I'm sorry you feel that way." This article will delve deeper into the world of gaslighting tactics and explore ways to recognize them.

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Shining Light on Shadows: 5 Reasons Why Your Life Might Feel Pointless

Depression

Shining Light on Shadows: 5 Reasons Why Your Life Might Feel Pointless

At times, life can seem overwhelming and devoid of meaning or purpose. If you're feeling like your life is pointless, it's crucial to remember that you're not alone in this experience. Many people wrestle with these feelings, and there are often tangible reasons behind them. This article will explore five possible reasons why your life might feel pointless and offer some suggestions for navigating this challenging emotional landscape.

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Beyond Anxiety: Embracing Calmness and Serenity

Anxiety

Beyond Anxiety: Embracing Calmness and Serenity

Anxiety, a common emotional state characterized by feelings of worry and unease, can often feel all-consuming. However, understanding its opposite can provide valuable insights into how we can actively cultivate states of calmness and serenity. This article aims to explore the concept of calmness, serenity, and mindfulness, the antidotes to anxiety, and how we can incorporate these elements into our daily lives.

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Understanding Parts Work: A Guide to Internal Family Systems in Psychology

Mental Health

Understanding Parts Work: A Guide to Internal Family Systems in Psychology

"Parts work," also known as Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, is a psychotherapeutic approach that acknowledges and addresses the multiple subpersonalities or "parts" within each person's mental system. This transformative therapy is based on the premise that the mind is naturally multiple and that each part has its valuable qualities. This article seeks to delve deeper into the concept of parts work, its therapeutic benefits, and its application in modern psychology.

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Work Burnout: Understanding, Prevention, and Coping

Mental Health

Work Burnout: Understanding, Prevention, and Coping

Work burnout, a phenomenon of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, is increasingly recognized as a significant issue in modern workplaces. It arises from prolonged exposure to work-related stressors, resulting in decreased motivation, low productivity, and a sense of detachment from one's job. This article aims to explore the concept of work burnout, strategies for prevention, and methods for coping, shedding light on this pervasive issue.

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Primordial Fears: An Exploration of Our Deep-Seated Anxieties

Anxiety

Primordial Fears: An Exploration of Our Deep-Seated Anxieties

Fear is a fundamental human experience, a built-in survival mechanism that evolved to help us navigate threats. Among these, primordial fears stand out as deeply ingrained, universal sources of dread that stem from our early evolutionary history. This article delves into the nature of primordial fears, their significance, and how they continue to shape our experiences.

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Why Does It Seem Like Time Goes By Fast?

Mental Health

Why Does It Seem Like Time Goes By Fast?

The fleeting nature of time is a universally shared experience. We often find ourselves wondering, "where did the time go?" or exclaiming, "time flies!" But why does time seem to go by so fast? This article explores the psychological aspects behind our perception of time and how it seems to speed up as we grow older.

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Enhancing Partnership: Strategies to Be a Better Girlfriend

Relationship Issues

Enhancing Partnership: Strategies to Be a Better Girlfriend

Being a better girlfriend isn't about changing who you are; it's about self-growth, understanding your partner better, and nurturing the relationship. This journey involves adopting traits like empathy, patience, and active communication. This article provides helpful insights into how you can cultivate these characteristics and more to enhance your relationship.

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Cultivating Connection: Becoming a Better Boyfriend

Mental Health

Cultivating Connection: Becoming a Better Boyfriend

Being a better boyfriend involves much more than merely offering gifts and compliments. It requires mutual understanding, empathy, and commitment to personal growth and relationship enhancement. This article delves into several key strategies that can help you become a better boyfriend and strengthen your bond with your partner.

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Strengthening Bonds: Becoming a Better Husband

Mental Health

Strengthening Bonds: Becoming a Better Husband

Being a better husband goes beyond being a good provider or companion. It involves nurturing your relationship, understanding your partner's needs, and committing to personal growth. This article will provide insightful strategies to enhance your role as a husband and fortify your marital bond.

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Nurturing Ties: The Journey to Becoming a Better Wife

Mental Health

Nurturing Ties: The Journey to Becoming a Better Wife

Being a better wife is not about perfection, but about enhancing understanding, fostering mutual respect, and nurturing love in your marital relationship. This article will provide strategies to aid you in becoming a better wife, enhancing your bond with your spouse, and ensuring a nurturing and fulfilling marital life.

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Creating Stronger Bonds: Becoming a Better Daughter

Relationship Issues

Creating Stronger Bonds: Becoming a Better Daughter

The relationship between parents and their children is a pivotal part of life. As a daughter, enhancing this relationship can lead to more understanding, respect, and love within the family unit. This article will provide insights and strategies on how to be a better daughter, strengthening familial ties, and ensuring a nourishing and fulfilling familial relationship.

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