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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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-

Read More

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.

Read More

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

Read More

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."

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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.

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

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

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

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

Read More

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

Read More

4 Signs of an Emotionally Immature Parent

Relationship Issues

4 Signs of an Emotionally Immature Parent

As children, we naturally look up to our parents as behavior and emotional response models. However, what happens when the parent exhibits signs of emotional immaturity? This can be complicated, often leading to confusion, frustration, and strained relationships. This article sheds light on the four critical signs of an emotionally immature parent, helping individuals identify and understand these behaviors in their parental relationships.

All Journals

Read More

Unveiling Deception: Understanding Why People Lie

Mental Health

Unveiling Deception: Understanding Why People Lie

Lying is a universal human behavior. Despite societal norms discouraging dishonesty, everyone lies at some point. It can range from small white lies, often seen as harmless or even polite, to significant deceptions with serious implications. This article delves into why people lie, exploring the psychological motivations and societal factors that drive this behavior.

All Journals

Read More

Navigating Emotions: Understanding Emotion Regulation in Psychology

DBT

Navigating Emotions: Understanding Emotion Regulation in Psychology

Emotion regulation refers to our ability to effectively manage and respond to an emotional experience. It's an essential aspect of mental health and well-being, affecting how we perceive, express, and react to emotional experiences. This article delves into the concept of emotion regulation, exploring its types, the strategies involved, and its role in mental health.

All Journals

Read More

Navigating the Anxious Attachment Style: Understanding and Overcoming Challenges

Anxiety

Navigating the Anxious Attachment Style: Understanding and Overcoming Challenges

Attachment styles are how we behave in relationships, especially in situations involving stress, separation, or conflict. One such style is the anxious attachment style, characterized by a strong desire for closeness and a fear of abandonment. This article will delve into the characteristics, causes, impacts, and strategies to manage an anxious attachment style, providing a holistic view for better comprehension and personal growth.

All Journals

Read More

Navigating Grief After Losing a Grandparent

Grief & Loss

Navigating Grief After Losing a Grandparent

The loss of a grandparent is a monumental event, often marking an individual's first encounter with grief. Grandparents are special in our hearts, often associated with warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love. Therefore, losing them can trigger a profound sense of grief. This article provides insights into understanding and managing the emotional journey that follows the death of a grandparent.

All Journals

Read More

Narcissistic Gaslighting: Understanding Its Impact on Mental Health

Mental Health

Narcissistic Gaslighting: Understanding Its Impact on Mental Health

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that can severely impact mental health, and when narcissists employ it, the effects can be particularly detrimental. Narcissistic gaslighting, by definition, involves a pattern of behavior aimed at making the recipient question their reality, memory, or perceptions. This article explores the nature of narcissistic gaslighting, how it manifests, and its effect on mental health, along with strategies for coping.

All Journals

Read More

The Paradox of Prosperity: Understanding Anxiety When Life Is Going Well

Anxiety

The Paradox of Prosperity: Understanding Anxiety When Life Is Going Well

Anxiety is often associated with stressful events, challenges, or periods of adversity. However, it's not uncommon to experience anxiety when life is seemingly going well. This seeming paradox can be confusing and distressing, making many wonders why they feel anxious when their circumstances are positive. This article delves into anxiety during periods of prosperity and its causes and offers strategies to manage it.

All Journals

Read More

Therapy Frequency: How Often Should You Talk with a Therapist?

Mental Health

Therapy Frequency: How Often Should You Talk with a Therapist?

Mental health is increasingly gaining recognition as a crucial aspect of overall wellness. As awareness grows, so does the use of therapeutic services. But, one common question many individuals have when considering therapy is how often they should meet with a therapist. The frequency of therapy sessions varies greatly depending on several factors. This article discusses these factors and provides a general guideline on therapy frequency.

All Journals

Read More

Navigating Relationships: Dating Someone with OCD

OCD

Navigating Relationships: Dating Someone with OCD

Relationships and dating can be challenging, uncertain, and yet rewarding. When dating someone diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), these realities can become even more pronounced. Understanding and empathy form the cornerstone of dating someone with OCD. This article provides insight into the considerations, challenges, and strategies that can make such relationships rewarding.

All Journals

Read More

Understanding and Navigating Pet Grief

Grief & Loss

Understanding and Navigating Pet Grief

Pets occupy a special place in our hearts. They are loyal companions, consistent sources of joy, and often considered family members. Therefore, when a beloved pet dies, the resulting grief can be profound. This article sheds light on pet grief, its manifestations, and various coping strategies to navigate this challenging time.

All Journals

Read More

Understanding and Managing Overwhelming Feelings

Mental Health

Understanding and Managing Overwhelming Feelings

In our fast-paced world, feeling overwhelmed has become a common emotional experience. It often manifests in response to perceived excessive demands, responsibilities, or life's challenges. This article seeks to delve into the world of feeling overwhelmed, what triggers it, its effects, and how to navigate through such times.

All Journals

Read More

Understanding Abandonment Trauma: Causes, Impacts, and Healing Strategies

PTSD

Understanding Abandonment Trauma: Causes, Impacts, and Healing Strategies

Abandonment trauma refers to the emotional and psychological distress experienced when a significant person in one's life suddenly disappears or withdraws their affection, attention, or support. This trauma often occurs in childhood, with the loss or emotional unavailability of a parent or caregiver, but it can also manifest in adulthood through significant relationships. It's crucial to gain a deep understanding of abandonment trauma, its causes, impacts, and effective healing strategies, to facilitate recovery and foster healthier relationships in the future.

All Journals

Read More

Decoding Rationalization: The Psychology Behind this Defense Mechanism

Mental Health

Decoding Rationalization: The Psychology Behind this Defense Mechanism

In our quest to understand human behavior and psyche, we often come across the term 'rationalization,' a defense mechanism coined by Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis. Rationalization allows us to justify our actions and feelings, often inaccurately, to protect ourselves from the uncomfortable truth. This article explores rationalization as a defense mechanism, its potential impact, and strategies to cope with over-rationalization.

All Journals

Read More

Understanding Sociopathy and Narcissism

Mental Health

Understanding Sociopathy and Narcissism

The terms 'sociopath' and 'narcissist' are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, contributing to confusion about their true meanings and differences. However, these terms denote two distinct psychological conditions with unique characteristics. This article provides an in-depth comparative analysis of sociopathy and narcissism to increase awareness about these often misunderstood conditions.

All Journals

Read More

The Link Between Panic Attacks and Fainting

Anxiety

The Link Between Panic Attacks and Fainting

The unexpected surge of overwhelming anxiety and fear, the racing heart, and the shortness of breath are all hallmarks of a panic attack. But one question often emerges: can a panic attack be so intense as to cause a person to faint? This article delves into the possible connection between panic attacks and fainting, providing a comprehensive look at this common concern.

All Journals

Read More

Establishing and Pursuing Therapy Goals for Personal Growth

Personal Growth

Establishing and Pursuing Therapy Goals for Personal Growth

In mental health and personal development, therapy is a potent tool. But to fully harness this potential, establishing clear, attainable therapy goals is crucial. This article provides an insightful exploration into the purpose, creation, and achievement of goals within the therapeutic setting.

All Journals

Read More

Understanding and Addressing Codependency in Friendships

Relationship Issues

Understanding and Addressing Codependency in Friendships

Friendship is vital to the human experience, providing companionship, emotional support, and joy. However, when a friendship becomes codependent, it can evolve from a source of comfort to a potential psychological issue. This article will delve into the intricacies of codependent friendships, their signs, impacts, and how to address them.

All Journals

Read More

Breaking the Cycle: Unraveling Self-Sabotage in Relationships

Relationship Issues

Breaking the Cycle: Unraveling Self-Sabotage in Relationships

Relationships can be a beautiful journey of shared growth, experiences, and mutual understanding. Yet, for some, this journey is hindered by self-sabotaging behavior, leading to a cycle of unresolved issues and unfulfilled relationships. This article aims to shed light on understanding self-sabotage in relationships, its causes, effects, and ways to overcome it.

All Journals

Read More

Understanding Displaced Anger: Its Impact and Management Strategies

Anger Management

Understanding Displaced Anger: Its Impact and Management Strategies

Anger is a common emotional response to situations that cause irritation, frustration, or perceived injustice. However, when the expression of this anger is misdirected, it leads to a phenomenon known as displaced anger. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of displaced anger, its implications, and strategies for its effective management.

All Journals

Read More

Navigating Through Loss: Understanding Different Types of Grief

Grief & Loss

Navigating Through Loss: Understanding Different Types of Grief

Grief, a universal and natural response to loss, can be one of the most challenging experiences in life. It manifests differently for everyone, varying in intensity and duration. By understanding the various types of grief, individuals can better navigate their healing journey and offer support to others.

All Journals

Read More