Thriving with DBT

TheraHive

What does it actually look like to learn Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills? In Thriving With DBT, TheraHive takes you behind the closed doors of 1-on-1 coaching sessions. Each season, we follow one real student as they navigate a full module of the TheraHive Adult DBT Skills program. Hosted by Dr. Alicia Smart and Dr. Jesse Finkelstein, these episodes provide a rare, fly-on-the-wall look at the hard work, "aha" moments, and practical applications of DBT skills in real-time. Whether we’re exploring the foundations of Mindfulness or the nuances of Interpersonal Effectiveness, you’ll see the human side of behavioral change. Join us as our students move from feeling stuck to thriving, one skill at a time.

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  1. Episode 1

    Distress Tolerance Week 1

    Dr. Alicia Smart and Edward discuss the introduction to distress tolerance, mindfulness, and the 54321 exercise. They then delve into the STOP skill and the TIPP skill, exploring their practical applications and effectiveness in managing high-conflict situations and emotional dysregulation. Takeaways Practical application of distress tolerance skillsImportance of intentional use of skills in high-conflict situations Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Distress Tolerance02:12 Mindfulness and 54321 Exercise16:49 The STOP Skill23:34 The TIPP Skill

  2. Episode 2

    Distress Tolerance Week 2

    The podcast episode focuses on distress tolerance and mindfulness, exploring the use of distraction, comparison, and emotion regulation as coping skills. The conversation delves into the practice of mindfulness, word association exercises, and the application of distress tolerance skills in real-life scenarios. The conversation covers various distress tolerance skills, including pushing away, distracting with thoughts, and embracing physical sensations. Edward shares his experience with these skills and their impact on his emotional regulation. The discussion also delves into the pros and cons of engaging in problem behaviors and using distress tolerance skills instead. Takeaways Distraction as a distress tolerance skillComparison as a tool for cultivating gratitude Distress tolerance skills such as pushing away, distracting with thoughts, and embracing physical sensations can help regulate emotions and reduce rumination.Engaging in problem behaviors often provides relief or escape from discomfort, while using distress tolerance skills requires sitting with discomfort and uncertainty. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Distress Tolerance and Mindfulness03:01 Mindfulness and Word Association Exercise04:53 Reflection on Word Association Exercise07:02 Distraction as a Distress Tolerance Skill09:20 Wise Mind Accepts - Activities and Contributions12:53 Wise Mind Accepts - Comparison and Emotion Regulation36:27 Embracing Physical Sensations41:22 Pros and Cons of Problem Behaviors and Skills

  3. Episode 3

    Distress Tolerance Week 3

    The episode begins with a mindfulness exercise led by Dr. Alicia Smart, followed by a discussion on the concept of self-soothing and its application in distress tolerance. Edward shares his experience with self-soothing and its impact on his distress levels. The conversation delves into the use of distress tolerance skills, including self-soothe and improve the moment. Edward shares his experiences and the effectiveness of these skills in managing distressing situations. The discussion also explores the importance of skill stacking and the ongoing maintenance of self-soothe as a background skill. Takeaways Mindfulness exercises can increase awareness of one's surroundings and promote a sense of presence.Self-soothing techniques, such as music, taste, smell, and touch, can be effective in reducing distress and promoting emotional regulation. Skill stacking involves using multiple distress tolerance skills in combination to manage distress effectively.Self-soothe is an important background skill for ongoing maintenance and emotional regulation.Improving the moment involves using distress tolerance skills for ongoing stressful situations that are not likely to resolve quickly. Chapters 00:00 Mindfulness Exercise: Five Four Three Two One06:38 Self-Soothing and Distress Tolerance20:32 Distress Tolerance Skills: Self-Soothe and Improve the Moment25:31 Skill Stacking and the Importance of Self-Soothe34:10 Using Distress Tolerance Skills in Ongoing Stressful Situations41:24 The Effectiveness of Distress Tolerance Skills

  4. Episode 4

    Distress Tolerance Week 4

    The session begins with a mindfulness exercise, followed by a discussion on radical acceptance as a distress tolerance skill. Edward shares his experience with radical acceptance in personal and professional contexts, highlighting its impact on conflict resolution and emotional regulation. The concept of approval versus acceptance is explored, and the application of radical acceptance in co-parenting and interpersonal relationships is discussed. The session concludes with a focus on the importance of accepting reality for meaningful change. The conversation delves into the concept of radical acceptance and its impact on personal growth and interpersonal relationships. Edward shares his journey of accepting his emotional reactions and the shift towards a more balanced and results-oriented approach. The discussion also explores the ongoing practice of radical acceptance and the challenges associated with removing judgment and emotional aspects from decision-making. Takeaways Mindfulness exercises can provide a moment of pause and relaxation, especially in times of distress.Radical acceptance involves acknowledging and accepting reality as it is, without necessarily agreeing or approving of it. Radical acceptance involves acknowledging and accepting the reality of a situation, leading to a more balanced and results-oriented approach.The ongoing practice of radical acceptance requires awareness of non-acceptance, compassion towards oneself, and a focus on the facts of the situation rather than emotional judgment. Chapters 00:00 Mindfulness and Distress Tolerance06:29 Introduction to Radical Acceptance08:44 Edward's Experience with Radical Acceptance15:06 Application of Radical Acceptance17:00 Impact of Radical Acceptance22:35 The Journey of Acceptance24:33 Balancing Emotional Reactions27:58 Recognizing Non-Acceptance34:04 Acceptance in Daily Life41:33 Challenges of Radical Acceptance

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About

What does it actually look like to learn Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills? In Thriving With DBT, TheraHive takes you behind the closed doors of 1-on-1 coaching sessions. Each season, we follow one real student as they navigate a full module of the TheraHive Adult DBT Skills program. Hosted by Dr. Alicia Smart and Dr. Jesse Finkelstein, these episodes provide a rare, fly-on-the-wall look at the hard work, "aha" moments, and practical applications of DBT skills in real-time. Whether we’re exploring the foundations of Mindfulness or the nuances of Interpersonal Effectiveness, you’ll see the human side of behavioral change. Join us as our students move from feeling stuck to thriving, one skill at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    TheraHive
  • Episodes
    17
  • Seasons
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TheraHive
  • Show Website
    Thriving with DBT

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