Evidence-Based Individual, Couples, Family, and Group Counseling + Nutrition Therapy in Miami (Coral Gables)
Validation is one of our most important interpersonal skills. The ability to validate effectively can significantly improve our relationships. And being able to validate someone in a given moment can make or break an interaction. So what does it take to validate? In this two-part blog series, we’ll look at some common validation failures asContinue reading Validation Fails
Trigger warning: Grief triggers can happen at any time, so please note that a piece about grief may contain triggers for some folks. If you are grieving and are feeling particularly vulnerable, perhaps save this blog for another day. Sarah lost her daughter unexpectedly three years ago. In an instant, her life was forever changed.Continue reading Coping with Grief and Loss
While folks gather, celebrate, eat, and drink over the holidays, it’s important to note that cheer and contentment aren’t everyone’s experience. For many, the holidays can be stressful, and for some, they’re downright difficult. Whether the discomfort is associated with seeing certain family members, eating holiday meals, or traveling, the holiday season can evoke varyingContinue reading Coping with Holiday Stress
DBT is an evidence-based modality that can help individuals who suffer from depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma/PTSD, substance misuse, disordered eating, self-harm/suicidality, and borderline personality disorder, as well as broader issues with emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning. DBT was founded by psychologist, Dr. Marsha Linehan, and developed from the early part of her career’s focusContinue reading Comprehensive DBT
Breakups are tough. In fact, all relationship endings can evoke feelings of grief and loss, disappointment, guilt, or anger. But a breakup doesn’t have to mean you’re broken. Here are some tips, inspired by DBT, for surviving a relationship ending. Recognize the power of time: They say, “Time heals all wounds,” and for a largeContinue reading Relationship Breakup Survival Guide
In our teaching of DBT skills, I always say that radical acceptance is one of the hardest skills to learn. To do. To embody. I feel this way myself. As much as I talk about acceptance, I find my brain constantly wants to err on the change side of the acceptance-change continuum. It wants toContinue reading Radical Body Acceptance
If you think about it, the human condition offers us of an almost infinite number of problems – issues with relationships, jobs, money, health, managing our homes, etc. Despite the wide range of problems we might encounter, there are a limited number of options for solving them. According to DBT, there are four possibilities forContinue reading Options for Solving Any Problem – DBT in Action
Parenting isn’t always the rosy picture we see portrayed on social media. Most parents struggle sometimes or often, and one of the significant triggers for their distress, especially when their children are young, is meltdowns. Meltdowns, or tantrums, are emotional storms that take their toll on anyone present. And while we can’t really prevent theseContinue reading Coping with Meltdowns: DBT in Action
For some, the winter holidays aren’t all festivities and fun. They might be fraught with discomfort or distress. Experiences of grief, loneliness, anxiety, and an uptick in trauma symptoms are not uncommon. We’ve assembled some tips in this holiday coping guide to help get you through the season. Acknowledge your struggle. Acknowledge that this timeContinue reading Holiday Coping Guide
The Mind-Body Connection: Half-Smile and Willing Hands Think of a stressful parenting situation you’ve been in lately. . . riding out a tantrum, getting homework done, confronting your teen about a lie. How were you feeling? What were you thinking? Were you aware of any sensations in your body? We often think about how situationsContinue reading Half-Smile and Willing Hands – Parenting with DBT: A Series on Effective Parenting Strategies
Popular psychology and many therapists will tell you that anger is a cover-up or defense for other emotions, namely hurt, sadness, or fear. It is true that, in some cases, we might “lead” with anger, when underneath that, we’re struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or vulnerability. But sometimes, anger is simply anger, and acceptingContinue reading Anger: Accepting and Decoding