Emotion Regulation teaches how to slow down and observe our emotional experiences so that we can slow down and choose a reaction. Often, we are operating from an emotionally reactive place. This is not always bad or destructive, but if left unattended, continuously acting from an emotion can lead to poor decisions and hurtful behaviors towards ourselves and others.
Read MoreCultivating non-judgmental thinking is taught in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training Groups. In DBT mindfulness skills are intended to improve an individuals abilities to observe and describe themselves and their environment non-judgmentally, which enhances the ability to participate in life effectively. Mindfulness teaches individuals to observe and describe their own behavior, which is necessary when any new behavior is being learned, when there is some sort of problem, or a need for change.
Read MoreThink of distress tolerance as a continuum where at one end people can be extremely intolerant of distress, and at the other end people can be extremely tolerant of distress. Fear and avoidance of the distress actually magnifies the experience of difficult situations or emotions.
Read MoreMindfulness is the practice of observing one’s emotions and environment, describing feelings and experiences, and fully participating in the moment. In DBT, the practice of core mindfulness is taught through “what” skills and “how” skills, i.e., what can we do to become mindful and how should we do it? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based treatment for suicidal behaviors, borderline personality disorder and other severe and complex mental health disorders.
Read MoreDistress Tolerance skills in DBT focus on providing a framework to help cope and survive during an emotional crisis. These skills are meant to be used as short-term solutions to get through emotional (and sometimes physical) intensity. Distress Tolerance skills are to help you get through situations in life when you cannot make changes for the better, and for any number of reasons, you cannot sort out your feelings well enough to make changes in how you feel.
Read MoreDr. Kabat-Zinn further describes Mindfulness as “a whole repertoire of formal meditative practices aimed at cultivating moment-to-moment nonjudgmental awareness.”, and “nonjudgmental really means that you’ll become aware of how judgmental you are and then not judge that and see if you [can let go], for a few moments at least, the restraining order that filters everything through our likes and dislikes or wants or aversion”.
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