Doing Being Thinking: Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills for Making a Life Worth Living

Do you want practical skills to improve your life and change the way you respond to painful events? Do you desire to make a life worth living? Doing Being Thinking is a collection of in-depth conversations between experienced therapists discussing how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help to change ineffective habits to end suffering and improve mental health. Each episode unpacks one practical therapy skill to: 1. Respond to problems more effectively 2. Change responses that “keep us stuck” 3. Improve communication 4. Manage stressful emotions 5. Build positive relationships … or end destructive ones 6. Handle unexpected or painful events more effectively 7. Accept things in order to move forward 8. Develop wisdom and balance Doing Being Thinking is an educational podcast about Dialectical Behavior Therapy and is not intended as a substitute for therapy. This is a podcast outreach of Adolescent & Family Behavioral Health Services, a private practice offering both in-person and telehealth therapy to children, teens and adults throughout Michigan. Take our DBT Challenge - https://www.adolescentfamilybhs.com/dbt-challenge DBT Challenge Newsletter - https://madmimi.com/signups/8a77dbdf370e448d8dbf97d026b681c4/join AFBHS Website - https://www.adolescentfamilybhs.com/

Episode 14 - TIP Part 1 of 2

The TIP skills are a set of skills for rapidly bringing down emotional distress. In this episode, we will discuss how bringing down body temperature through a series of scientifically-verified techniques can help lower stress and tension, making room for clearer thinking and problem solving during difficult moments

10-03
30:44

Episode 13 - Pros & Cons

Have you ever wanted to act in such a way that you get a quick reward but realize that later you would regret your behavior? Pros and Cons is a skill that helps us to evaluate between acting on our urges or resisting them. In this episode, two therapists will discuss this skill, and how to use it in daily life.

10-03
30:44

Episode 12 - STOP Skill

Learn how to use the DBT STOP Skill to pause, ground yourself, and make effective choices instead of reacting on impulse. In this video, we’ll walk through each step of STOP—Stop, Take a step back, Observe, and Proceed mindfully—so you can respond with clarity and control in stressful moments. Perfect for anyone practicing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or wanting simple tools for managing emotions. ✨ If this video helps you, remember to like, subscribe, and share!

08-26
24:58

Episode 11 - Being Effective

Learn how to apply Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to Being Effective in everyday life. In this video, we’ll break down practical strategies you can use to stay focused on your goals, balance emotions, and make choices that work in the moment. Whether you’re new to DBT or looking to strengthen your skills, this video will give you clear tools to help you move forward with purpose. ✨ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this helpful!

08-26
29:17

Episode 5 - All About Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a core skill in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and is often the first skill taught. It involves being present and paying attention to what is happening in the moment without judgment. Mindfulness can help people avoid being on autopilot and can include noticing thoughts, feelings, sensations, impulses, sights, sounds, smells, and feelings.

07-18
28:33

Episode 9 - Non-Judgemental Stance

In DBT mindfulness, a "non-judgmental stance" means observing thoughts and experiences without labeling them as good or bad. It involves accepting things as they are without criticism or evaluation.

05-29
30:14

Episode 10 - One Mindfully

"One-mindfully" in DBT mindfulness means focusing on one thing at a time with full attention. It involves being fully present in the moment and avoiding distractions.

05-29
26:50

Episode 6 - Wise Mind

In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), "wise mind" refers to a balanced state of mind that integrates both emotional and rational thinking. It represents a deep inner wisdom that combines intuitive understanding with logical reasoning. Wise mind is achieved by harmonizing the "emotion mind" (driven by feelings and impulses) and the "reasonable mind" (focused on facts and logic). This state of mind is central to making effective decisions, managing emotions, and responding to situations with mindfulness and clarity.

05-29
29:07

Episode 8 - Participating

In DBT mindfulness, "participating" means fully engaging in the present moment and activities with awareness, without self-consciousness or judgment. It involves immersing oneself in the experience and acting with full attention.

05-29
31:33

Episode 7 - Observing & Describing

In DBT, "observing" refers to noticing and paying attention to experiences without judgment, while "describing" involves putting words to those observations accurately and non-judgmentally. Both skills are essential for mindfulness and help individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.

05-29
22:50

Episode 4 - Chain Analysis

Completing a chain analysis about your behaviors will help you identify patterns in thoughts and feelings that lead to unwanted behaviors. AND it helps you slow down things enough to identify interventions that can bring or sustain the change you desire.

04-18
31:38

Episode 3 - Diary Cards

Completing diarys cards is an effective method for setting yourself up for success by tracking behaviors and emotions.

04-18
30:27

Episode 2 - Four Options For Solving Any Problem

Learn your four choices for solving any problem and how to troubeshoot obstacles to those solutions.

04-18
29:14

Episode 1 - Setting Goals

In this episode, learn about setting goals DBT style: it's a little different than you might think.

04-18
33:42

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