When it comes to psychologists (PhD or PsyD), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychiatrists, and more, there are a few similarities and differences to keep in mind to help you better understand what types of mental health providers are available to work with. There are dozens of unique specializations, credentials, and titles that you may come across when researching your options. Learn more about the education and training that different therapists go through to determine which type of mental health provider can best help you meet your treatment goals.
Interpersonal effectiveness skills are a set of strategies taught in DBT which include the FAST skill to maintain self-respect. When you are faced with a challenging social interaction, the DBT FAST skill reminds you to be fair to yourself and others, not apologize for feeling how you feel, and stay true to your values. Practicing the DBT FAST skill can help you learn to act in a way that makes you feel positively about yourself and maintain a sense of self-respect.
Opposite Action is a DBT skill that can be used by adults, teens, and kids to help them control big emotions. When you feel a strong emotional urge, Opposite Action reminds you that acting in the opposite way of what your emotions are telling you can actually be helpful in some situations. This practice challenges the automatic link between emotion and behavior to help you respond thoughtfully even when we’re feeling overwhelmed.
Starting therapy can be a big step for your child, and you might feel unsure about how to begin that conversation. Whether your child feels nervous about starting therapy, or even excited to meet with a child psychologist, it’s helpful to prepare them for that first meeting. There are a few key talking points to help you navigate that discussion so that you can set your child and yourself up for success in therapy.
The holiday season is a time of joy, but for some, it is also a source of stress. Practicing DBT skills like PLEASE and Cope Ahead can help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed during this busy time of year. By using these tools to help manage stress and anxiety, you can feel more confident in your ability to manage time-sensitive responsibilities.
Visiting family during the holiday can bring about feelings of anxiety. Adolescents and young adults may also have concerns about how to navigate interpersonal conflicts that may arise. Practicing healthy communication strategies by using a DBT skill, like DEAR MAN, is an effective way to set and enforce personal boundaries while still maintaining healthy relationships.
