For the therapist who might incorporate a DBT skill here or there but has always wondered what else there is to know...

In this conversation, Dr. Kiki Fehling a clinical psychologist and Dialectical Behavior Therapy Certified researcher discusses her journey into Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), its structure, and its application, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community. She explains the importance of consultation teams, the role of mindfulness, and the dialectical approach of acceptance and change. Dr. Fehling shares insights on key DBT skills, such as distress tolerance and opposite action, and highlights the goal of building a life worth living. The discussion also touches on self-care techniques and resources for clinicians interested in DBT.

We left you on a a cliffhanger, but the show Dr. Kiki enjoyed and recently finished was...drumroll please...Dying for Sex.

Takeaways:

• DBT was created to help those struggling with BPD and suicidality.
• The therapy consists of individual sessions, skills groups, phone coaching, and consultation teams.
• Consultation teams provide essential support for DBT therapists.
• DBT is effective for various mental health issues beyond BPD, including anxiety and PTSD.
• Mindfulness skills help individuals reconnect with their emotions and identities.
• Dialectics emphasizes that acceptance and change can coexist.
• The goal of DBT is to help clients build a life worth living.
• Distress tolerance kits are practical tools for managing crises.
• Opposite action is a powerful skill for changing unhelpful emotional responses.
• Self-validation is crucial for personal well-being and self-care.
• Using Skillfull Means to become aware of the being mind vs. the doing mind

Keywords:
DBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mental Health, LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Mindfulness, Self-Validation, Consultation Teams, Emotion Regulation, Therapy Techniques

For More Information, check out:
https://www.kikifehling.com/
Want to learn more about DBT?
Self Directed DBT Skills Workbook
DBT Skills Training Manual- Dr. Marsha Linehan

And, the

The Self Careapist Podcast is a weekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Lorain Moorehead Therapy and Consultation in Arizona where we specialize in High Achieving Professionals, EMDR, perinatal mental health, and clinical supervision. We cover therapeutic specialties with mental health professionals from intern to advanced supervisor in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some futher learning opportunities, grab your learning map here!

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