Among Therapists: Practical Tips: Recent Episodes
Psychotherapy Academy
Aimed at mental health professionals, Among Therapists: Practical Tips by Psychotherapy Academy highlights the latest and most important updates on therapeutic models like ACT, DBT, and PE, including their use for specific disorders. You will find different series through which experts in psychotherapy share practical guidelines for use in your day-to-day clinical work.
Learn how to set meaningful and effective homework assignments in ACT for depression with insights from Dr. Miranda Morris. Discover practical strategies to help clients like Hannah engage in valued actions and build a fulfilling life.
Faculty: Miranda Morris, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about ACT for Depression and earn 1 CE credit.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: How to Set Homework in ACT for Depression
Explore the role of perspective-taking and self-compassion in therapy with Dr. Brian Pilecki. Learn how these processes can help clients like Charles overcome limiting self-stories and self-criticism to build a more fulfilling life. Faculty: Brian Pilecki, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Social Anxiety and earn 1.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for Social Anxiety: Self-as-Context
Discover how Nightmare Rehearsal Treatment can help clients manage trauma-related nightmares. Dr. Sonja Batten shares practical strategies and committed actions to empower clients like Deborah to transform their experiences and build meaningful lives. Faculty: Sonja Batten, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about “ACT for PTSD:The Case of Deborah, an Army Veteran” and earn 1.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for PTSD: Nightmare Rehearsal Treatment.
In this episode, Dr. Jill Squyres Groubert explores how a talking stick can transform communication in couples therapy. This episode features insights from Dr. Jill Squyres Groubert on using this tool to enhance dialogue, foster patience, and strengthen relationships. Faculty: Jill Squyres Groubert, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about Couples Therapy: How to Recover From an Affair and earn 1 CE credit. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Couples Therapy: Using the Talking Stick for Better Communication
In this episode, we explore the power of phone coaching and DBT techniques with Dr. Stephanie Vaughn. Learn how real-time guidance, opposite action, and mindfulness can help clients like Lisa manage their emotions and make meaningful behavioral changes. Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about Inside the Therapy Room: DBT Unveiled and earn 1.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: DBT Assumptions: Exploring Opposite Action
In this episode, we explore practical DBT mindfulness techniques for substance abuse with Dr. Laura Petracek. Learn how mindfulness can help clients manage their thoughts and emotions, reduce self-criticism, and improve overall well-being. Faculty: Laura Petracek, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about Transforming Addiction: DBT for Substance Abuse and earn 1 CE credit. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: DBT Mindfulness Strategies for Substance Abuse
Join Dr. Diana Hill as she explores committed action and Appetite Awareness Training in ACT, focusing on self-monitoring habits and fostering meaningful behavioral changes aligned with clients' values. Faculty: Diana Hill, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about ACT for Binge Eating and Anxiety: A Clinical Case and earn 1.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for Binge Eating: Committed Action and Appetite Awareness
In this episode of "Among Therapists: Practical Tips," we explore the use of exposure exercises within an acceptance-based approach to treating PTSD. Dr. Sonja Batten discusses how ACT-inspired exposure aims to increase psychological flexibility by changing how traumatic memories are experienced. Learn how these methods encourage clients to engage in valued behaviors, even amidst distressing symptoms, enhancing their ability to live a meaningful life. Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about: Trauma Training Pathway: Proven ACT, DBT, and Prolonged Exposure Techniques * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Exposure Treatment: Approaching Traumatic Memories From an ACT Perspective
Explore how acceptance and interoceptive exposure transform anxiety treatment. This episode discusses ACT techniques that empower clients to manage anxiety symptoms safely and effectively, enhancing therapeutic resilience and control. Faculty: Jessica Borushok, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Panic Disorder and earn 1 CE credit. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for Panic Disorder: Interoceptive Exposure and Acceptance.
Explore the transformative potential of mindfulness in trauma therapy on our latest episode of 'Among Therapists: Practical Tips.' Join us as we introduce two powerful exercises: mindfulness reflections and the mindfulness action plan, crafted to enhance mindfulness practice for our client's benefit. Our focus is on elucidating the significance of mindfulness in symptom reduction and life quality enhancement. Today, our expert, Dr. Kirby Reutter, delves into these practices. Gain insights into mindfulness reflections, guiding clients to connect their experiences with symptoms and personal goals. Through real-life examples, witness the profound impact of reflective questions on perception. Additionally, discover the mindfulness action plan, a tool promoting present-moment awareness and aligning actions with personal values. These exercises provide valuable support for therapists aiming to apply mindfulness interventions and aid clients on their path to a fulfilling life.
Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about: Trauma Training Pathway: Proven ACT, DBT, and Prolonged Exposure Techniques
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Mindfulness Reflections and Action Plan.
In this episode of "Among Therapists: Practical Tips," Dr. Barbara Rothbaum explores cognitive-behavioral treatments for PTSD, focusing on stress inoculation training, cognitive restructuring, and prolonged exposure therapy. Learn how these methods help patients confront trauma reminders, manage anxiety, and challenge dysfunctional thoughts. Particular emphasis is placed on prolonged exposure therapy, the most empirically supported treatment for PTSD. Join us for valuable insights to enhance your therapeutic practice.
Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson Garcia, Ph.D.
- Learn more about: Trauma Training Pathway: Proven ACT, DBT, and Prolonged Exposure Techniques
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: CBT for PTSD: Basics and Rationale.
Explore the power of DBT’s emotion regulation skills in this episode, as we discuss practical strategies that helped Jackie manage depression and enhance life quality through improved stress management, adapted exercise, and effective eating habits. Faculty: Dennis Hannon, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about DBT for Depression: The Case of Jackie and earn 1.5 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Emotion Regulation Skills in DBT for Depression
Dive into the rich history of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in our latest episode of 'Among Therapists: Practical Tips.' Join us as we explore the evolution of DBT through the three waves of behaviorism and unravel the unique emphases and assumptions that distinguish it from traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Gain insights into how DBT integrates mindfulness, acceptance, and a holistic approach to behavior change, offering a transformative path for trauma-focused therapy. Follow along as we trace the roots of DBT, from its origins in behaviorism to its emergence as a cornerstone of third-wave behaviorism. Understand how DBT's emphasis on mindfulness and dialectical thinking provides a balanced approach to addressing problematic thought patterns and behaviors. Tune in to discover the transformative potential of DBT in trauma treatment and beyond.
Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about: Trauma Training Pathway: Proven ACT, DBT, and Prolonged Exposure Techniques
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: DBT: History, Targets, and Assumptions.
In this episode of “Among Therapists: Practical Tips,” we explore the critical phase of setting targets for committed action in psychological treatment. Committed actions, tied to individual values, are pivotal for client progress. Dr. Batten emphasizes the importance of letting clients choose their committed actions to enhance follow-through. Measurable and specific commitments aligned with SMART goals are essential. Context, function, and history significantly influence understanding client progress. Reflecting on diverse scenarios, we understand how commitments interact with individual contexts. Remember, in setting targets for committed action, prioritize client-driven, values-aligned goals for effective therapeutic outcomes. Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about: Trauma Training Pathway: Proven ACT, DBT, and Prolonged Exposure Techniques * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: PTSD and Setting Targets for Committed Action
In this episode, Dr. Jill Squyres Groubert explores couples therapy, highlighting key goals and interventions. Discover how tailored strategies like internal check-ins and managing emotional responses can transform couple dynamics and strengthen relationships. Faculty: Jill Squyres Groubert, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about Couples Therapy: How to Recover From an Affair and earn 1 CE credit. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Couples Therapy Goals and Interventions: Internal Check-In.
In this episode, we explore the Thought, Opposite, Middle (TOM) technique in DBT, guiding therapists on using dialectical thinking to manage extreme thoughts in PTSD therapy. Join Dr. Kirby Reutter for insights on balancing acceptance and change in challenging therapeutic scenarios.
Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Trauma: The Case of Maria and earn 1.25 CE credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Dialectical Thinking in DBT Trauma Work: TOM and Fortunately-Unfortunately Skills
Explore the paradoxical world of trauma survivors in our latest episode of 'Among Therapists: Practical Tips.' Discover how trauma's impact on the nervous system leads to a series of dialectical dilemmas, where survivors oscillate between extremes in awareness, thinking, emoting, reacting, and relating. Join us as we examine these five key areas and how they manifest as either too much or too little, from hypervigilance and dissociation to emotional overwhelm and numbness. Learn how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers a practical middle path for each dilemma, equipping survivors with essential skills like mindfulness, dialectical thinking, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Gain insights into how DBT can help trauma survivors find balance amidst the polarities and develop the resilience to navigate their healing journey. Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about: Trauma Training Pathway: Proven ACT, DBT, and Prolonged Exposure Techniques * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
Join us in our latest 'Among Therapists: Practical Tips' episode where we delve into mindfulness exercises for OCD. Discover engaging and effective techniques like the bubble wand exercise, designed to help clients observe their thoughts in a new, non-judgmental light. Learn about mindful action, a method for transforming daily routines into moments of deepened awareness. These practices are tailored to enhance presence and mindfulness, offering valuable skills for those managing OCD. Tune in to explore these transformative exercises and integrate them into your therapeutic toolkit. Faculty: Kate Morrison, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson Garcia, Ph.D. * Learn more about: ACT Training Pathway:ACT Training Pathway: Bridging Foundations with Practical Applications * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Mindfulness Exercises for OCD
Explore the complex world of PTSD and trauma-informed treatment in our latest episode of 'Among Therapists: Practical Tips.' Learn about the three-phase model of trauma treatment, which is essential for understanding and addressing complex PTSD. Discover the importance of stabilization and safety, the process of working through traumatic memories, and the journey toward integration and meaning-making. Examine various treatment modalities, their effectiveness, and the considerations necessary in choosing the right approach for complex cases. Join us as we discuss treating complex PTSD, providing knowledge to enhance your therapeutic practice and better support your clients in their healing journey. Faculty: Janina Fisher, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson Garcia, Ph.D. * Learn more about Trauma Training Pathway: Proven ACT, DBT, and Prolonged Exposure Techniques * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Complex PTSD and Trauma-Informed Approaches
In this episode, Dr. Miranda Morris explores experiential ACT interventions, highlighting practical techniques to treat depression, from breathing exercises to defusion work. Faculty: Miranda Morris, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about ACT for Depression and earn 1 CE credit. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT Treatment Interventions for Depression: Experiential Work
Explore the complexities of brain development in the shadow of trauma in our newest episode of 'Among Therapists: Practical Tips.' Discover how unresolved trauma during the crucial stages of brain development leads to behavioral and emotional challenges. Join us as we examine the principles of brain development and their impact on trauma survivors. Learn about the sequential development of the survival, emotion, attachment, and cognition brains and how each stage is foundational for the next. Understand the effects of an overdeveloped survival brain in a trauma-laden environment, leading to altered emotional responses, attachment issues, and cognitive distortions. Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about: Trauma Training Pathway: Proven ACT, DBT, and Prolonged Exposure Techniques * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
Explore the critical aspects of PTSD assessment in our latest episode, 'Among Therapists: Practical Tips. ' Delve into thorough evaluation techniques for patients with trauma issues, focusing on identifying the index trauma and assessing the severity of PTSD symptoms. Gain insights into using essential tools like CAPS-5, SCID-5, and PCL-5 to understand comorbid disorders comprehensively. Learn how to effectively choose candidates for prolonged exposure therapy and navigate complex clinical scenarios. Tune in now to master the art of measurement-based therapy and its significant impact on treating trauma survivors. Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson Garcia, Ph.D. * Learn more about: Trauma Training Pathway: Proven ACT, DBT, and Prolonged Exposure Techniques * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Assessing PTSD: Measurement-Based Therapy.
Join us in our latest episode of 'Among Therapists: Practical Tips' as we explore ACT-based exposure and cognitive defusion for PTSD. Learn about the crucial role of emotional connection in exposure therapy, helping patients experience their emotions without judgment. Discover the importance of preliminary training in cognitive defusion and emotional willingness, which is essential for managing judgmental thoughts and emotions. We'll cover practical strategies like reframing thoughts as mere thoughts, using mindfulness for thought visualization, and repetition techniques to lessen the impact of negative self-judgments. Find out how these approaches can enhance your practice and support clients in their PTSD treatment journey. Faculty: Matthew Tull, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about: Trauma Training Pathway: Proven ACT, DBT, and Prolonged Exposure Techniques * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT-Based Exposure and Cognitive Defusion for PTSD.
Dive into the nervous system's intricate workings and trauma's profound effects on our responses. Join us as we explore the polyvagal theory and how it explains the interplay between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. Learn why trauma survivors often experience heightened or diminished reactions and how it shapes their awareness, thoughts, feelings, reactions, and relationships. Faculty: Kirby Reutter Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about “The Middle Path for Trauma Work: A Dialectical Behavioral Training” and earn 9.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
In this episode, join Dr. Kirby Reutter as we delve into the heart of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – the dilemma of acceptance versus change. Uncover why this balance is critical in treating trauma survivors, who are often torn between the need for validation and the urge to transform their painful experiences. We'll dissect how embracing acceptance and change coexist and synergize in therapeutic settings. Learn about DBT tools and strategies, including mindfulness and distress tolerance for acceptance, and emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness for change. Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about “The Middle Path for Trauma Work: A Dialectical Behavioral Training” and earn 9.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
In this episode, Dr. Michelle Woidneck explores cognitive fusion and defusion techniques, offering practical tools for therapists to help clients navigate complex emotional landscapes. Faculty: Michelle Woidneck, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about ACT for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and earn 1.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for GAD: Introducing Defusion Exercises
In this episode of Among Therapists: Practical Tips by Psychotherapy Academy, we dive into the transformative power of validation in trauma therapy. Join us as we explore the different levels of validation and its profound impacts on trust, healing, and resilience for clients. Discover practical tools to validate and empower people on their paths to recovery. Don’t miss this insightful episode! Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about: Trauma Training Pathway: Proven ACT, DBT, and Prolonged Exposure Techniques * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: How to Apply Validation in DBT: Practical Tips.
Dive into the heart of acceptance and commitment (ACT) therapy with us in our latest episode, “ACT in Motion: The Power of Committed Action”. Discover how committed action can transform lives and propel clients toward their values. Learn the secrets of effective goal setting, whether in trauma recovery or personal growth. Join Dr. Jessica Díaz as she breaks down the core concepts of ACT therapy in a way that’s both practical and inspiring. Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
In this episode, Dr. Jessica Borushok, Ph.D., unveils effective ACT strategies for addressing burnout, focusing on present moment exercises and practical mindfulness techniques for therapists. Faculty: Jessica Borushok, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about ACT for Burnout and earn 1.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for Burnout: Present Moment Exercises
Join us as Dr. Kirby Reutter explores practical strategies for managing multiple crises in clients with chronic trauma while prioritizing skills training and reinforcement. Discover how to address crises effectively without neglecting essential therapeutic goals. Tune in for valuable insights and actionable techniques for navigating complex scenarios in trauma therapy. Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about “The Middle Path for Trauma Work: A Dialectical Behavioral Training” and earn 9.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
Discover the transformative power of emotion regulation in this episode, as we explore that module of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), unveiling skills that help people navigate and transform unwanted emotions. From understanding the benefits of emotions to practicing opposite action and coping ahead, this episode provides valuable insights and practical strategies for managing emotion dysregulation. Tune in to gain useful tools for finding emotional well-being on the path to the wise mind. Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: DBT in Practice: Emotional Regulation and Mindfulness Skills.
In this episode, Dr. Brian Pilecki delves into cognitive defusion in ACT, demonstrating its impact through Charles' struggle with social anxiety and sharing practical tools to be used in therapy. Faculty: Brian Pilecki, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Social Anxiety and earn 1.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Cognitive Defusion Strategies for Social Anxiety
Join us for this episode as Dr. Kirby Reutter explores the transformative power of trauma-focused dialectical behavior therapy (TF-DBT) individual sessions for healing trauma from within. Discover how such sessions provide a platform for trauma processing, incorporating both top-down and bottom-up approaches to meet the unique needs of each client. Gain insights into integrating additional treatment models and the significance of mindfulness exercises in supporting the healing journey. Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about “The Middle Path for Trauma Work: A Dialectical Behavioral Training” and earn 9.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
This episode explains the stages of treatment in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and their corresponding targets, theoretically and practically. The first stage, behavioral stabilization, and the second stage, work with trauma-related symptoms, are explored in the most detail. The model is not linear but circular, so a client could return to a previous stage at a certain point of treatment. Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Mastering the Four Stages of DBT Treatment: Essentials for Therapeutic Success.
In this episode, Dr. Sonja Batten discusses the therapeutic power of ACT-based exposure therapy in trauma treatment, guiding us through Deborah’s journey of healing as she rewrites her narrative with courage and clarity. Faculty: Sonja Batten, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about “ACT for PTSD:The Case of Deborah, an Army Veteran” and earn 1.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT Work on Trauma Memories: Exposure Hierarchy.
In this episode, Dr. Barbara Rothbaum shares a clinical case example to illustrate how to implement imaginal exposure with a real client. Imaginal exposure involves revisiting traumatic memories in order to reprocess and reduce the strength of emotions associated with those memories. Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * See more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians” and earn 7 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Imaginal Exposure Script: An Example.
Join Dr. Diana Hill as she talks about the role of values exercises in acceptance and commitment therapy. In this episode, we explore: * How connecting pain and values can redefine the therapy experience. * The note card exercise, a unique tool for bridging the gap between pain and values. * Motivating clients to move toward discomfort in alignment with what truly matters to them.
Faculty: Diana Hill, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about ACT for Binge Eating and Anxiety: A Clinical Case and earn 1.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for Binge Eating: Values and Pain Exercises.
Uncover the intricacies of trauma in our latest episode, "The Trauma After the Trauma: Understanding PTSD Symptoms and the ACE Study”. Explore the four categories of PTSD symptoms, from re-experiencing to changes in mood and cognition, and gain insights into the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma revealed by the groundbreaking ACE Study. Join us as we navigate the complexities of trauma and its impacts on resilience and healing. Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about “The Middle Path for Trauma Work: A Dialectical Behavioral Training” and earn 9.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
Join us for this new episode as we dive into the transformative world of acceptance exercises in ACT. Dr. Michelle Woidneck takes us on a journey to discover how acceptance can be linked to a realistic sense of purpose in acceptance and commitment therapy. Among other things, this episode looks at how: * Acceptance exercises empower individuals to embrace their emotions and align with their values. * Practical ACT techniques connect clients with their emotions and strengthen their mindfulness. * Connecting acceptance to purpose in ACT therapy has profound and lasting impacts.
Faculty: Michelle Woidneck, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about ACT for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and earn 1.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for GAD: How to Target Acceptance Experientially in Session.
Unlock the transformative power of exposure therapy. Discover essential strategies for effective exposure sessions, whether in traditional or virtual reality settings. Join us as we guide you through the intricacies of exposure techniques for profound healing. Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * See more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians” and earn 6.75 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: PTSD Treatment With Exposure Therapy and Virtual Reality: Tips for Therapists.
Discover the transformative power of distress tolerance skills in trauma therapy! In this episode, Dr. Kirby Reutter explores practical techniques for navigating intense emotions and cultivating resilience in the face of trauma. Learn how the IMPROVE the moment, RAIN dance, and HALT skills can empower both therapists and clients on the path to healing and thriving after trauma. Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Trauma: The Case of Maria and earn 1.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Distress Tolerance Skills in DBT Trauma Work: IMPROVE the Moment, Rain Dance, and HALT
Join us for this episode, in which we explore the art of cultivating emotional resilience. We delve into the importance of fertilizing the garden of emotions using the ABCD technique: Add positives, Build mastery, Cope ahead, and Do something personally meaningful. Discover practical strategies for nurturing emotional well-being and fostering a life worth living. Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about “The Middle Path for Trauma Work: A Dialectical Behavioral Training” and earn 9.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
Join Dr. Dennis Hannon as he shares practical techniques like grounding exercises and useful distractions for overcoming self-judgment. Discover how improved communication and boundary setting can transform relationships and boost self-esteem for your clients. Faculty: Dennis Hannon, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about DBT for Depression: The Case of Jackie and earn 1.5 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Distress Tolerance for Depression: DBT Grounding and Distraction Techniques.
Dive into the world of trauma therapy with our latest episode, “ACTivating Healing: Integrating Mindfulness and ACT in Trauma Therapy”. Join Dr. Sonja Batten as she presents the power of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness in facilitating recovery from trauma. Discover practical strategies for cultivating present moment awareness and resilience in trauma survivors. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and enhance your therapeutic skills. Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Mindfulness for Trauma Work: Practical Tips and Exercises From an ACT Perspective.
Join Miranda Morris, Ph.D., as she explores how language is one of the most powerful acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) tools. Learn how to use it for helping clients with depression shift their perspectives and take meaningful steps toward values-aligned lives. Faculty: Miranda Morris, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about ACT for Depression and earn 1 CE credit. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT Treatment Interventions for Depression: Use of Language.
In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of the dialectic and its application in mental health. Join us as we explore the roots of dialectics in philosophy, from Socrates and his Socratic method to Hegel's thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. We also examine how Dr. Marsha Linehan integrated dialectics into the mental health field, recognizing the potential for healing and restoring balance in trauma survivors. Tune in to unlock the transformative power of dialectical thinking. Faculty: Kirby Reutter Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about “The Middle Path for Trauma Work: A Dialectical Behavioral Training” and earn 9.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
Join Jessica Borushok, Ph.D., as she explores playful techniques, mind avatars, and grounding practices in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for panic disorder. Learn how to empower clients to navigate panic attacks and find inner calm. Faculty: Jessica Borushok, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Panic Disorder and earn 1 CE credit. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Defusion and Mindfulness Exercises for Panic Disorder.
In this episode, Dr. Barbara Rothbaum explains how to process emotional hot spots in prolonged exposure therapy for trauma. She describes a step-by-step guide to applying emotional hot spots processing and shares some tips for therapists working with PTSD. Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * See more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians” and earn 6.75 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Imaginal Exposure for PTSD: Hot Spots in Trauma Memories.
Discover the power of acting opposite in our latest "Among Therapists: Practical Tips" episode! Learn how replacing ineffective urges can stabilize and deescalate intense emotions. Explore strategies for socializing instead of isolating, prioritizing over procrastination, self-care in place of self-harm, and more. Tune in now for valuable insights on cultivating healthier emotional patterns. Faculty: Kirby Reutter Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about “The Middle Path for Trauma Work: A Dialectical Behavioral Training” and earn 9.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
Join Dr. Jessica Borushok, Ph.D., for an insightful exploration of values within acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for burnout. Discover practical strategies to help clients clarify their values and create a purpose-driven life aligned with their authentic selves. Faculty: Jessica Borushok, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about ACT for Burnout and earn 1.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for Burnout: Unfolding the True Values
In this episode, Dr. Barbara Rothbaum explains how to process emotional hot spots in prolonged exposure therapy for trauma. Emotional hot spots processing can be compared with a relief massage, where a knot is targeted and processed in order to be relieved of tension. Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * See more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians” and earn 6.75 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Processing Emotional Hot Spots for PTSD: Introduction.
Join us in this episode as Dr. Miranda Morris, Ph.D., explores the power of language in ACT treatment interventions for depression. Discover how therapists can use language to foster present moment awareness, promote acceptance, and help clients align with their values. Faculty: Miranda Morris, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about ACT for Depression: The Story of Hannah and earn 1 CE credit. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT Treatment Interventions for Depression: Use of Language
In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Vaughn explores the first stage of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) treatment. In stage one of DBT, three main types of behavior are targeted: life-threatening, therapy-interfering, and quality-of-life-interfering behaviors. Dr. Vaughn also explains several DBT goals that are put into practice during stage one. These include keeping the client in their environment, and helping them to stay motivated. Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Stage Targets and Goals in DBT.
In this episode of our series “Interviews With DBT Experts: From Trauma to Eating Disorders”, Dr. Kirby Reutter joins Dr. Mark Carlson and Dr. Dennis Hannon to explore how to apply emotion regulation and mindfulness in the treatment of chronic pain. They describe practical skills like “just noticeable change” and SMART goals as ways to build momentum with small, manageable steps, and shift the focus from pain to meaningful activities. Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy. * Learn more about “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders” and earn 8 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: “DBT for Chronic Pain: Distress Tolerance and Emotion Regulation.”
Discover the transformative power of values in therapy! Join Dr. Brian Pilecki as he explores the significance of values within acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Learn practical strategies to help clients clarify their values and live more purposeful lives aligned with their authentic selves. Faculty: Brian Pilecki, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Social Anxiety and earn 1.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The Magic Wand: An ACT Approach to Values Work.
In this episode, Dr. Kirby Reutter explores the powerful metaphor of the garden of emotions. Learn how this metaphor guides clients to nurture their emotions rather than trying to control them. Join us as we uncover the transformative potential of nurturing emotions on the path to healing. Tune in and embark on a journey of growth and resilience. Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about “The Middle Path for Trauma Work: A Dialectical Behavioral Training” and earn 9.25 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: “The Garden of Emotions Metaphor in DBT”.
In this episode of our series “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists,” we discuss how to set behavioral commitments as opportunities to practice acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) processes between sessions. It’s important to align the action plan with the client’s values, to support their motivation over the course of treatment. Faculty: Kate Morrison, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy. * Learn more about “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists” and earn 8.75 CE credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: “Behavioral Commitments in ACT for OCD.”
In this episode our ACT expert, Dr. Sonja Batten, explains the role of mindfulness from an ACT perspective. Mindfulness is a core ACT component, and is understood as purposeful, nonjudgmental observation of whatever is occurring in the present. This episode also explores how mindfulness can be distinguished from similar practices such as meditation, and why it is located on the opposite pole from being on autopilot or disconnected from the here and now. Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE/CME credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Willingness as a Therapeutic Tool for PTSD Clients: An ACT Perspective
In this episode, Dr. Sonja Batten shares grounding skills for trauma therapy. You’ll learn practical techniques for remaining present and navigating triggers, as we explore the effectiveness of grounding in promoting resilience and healing. Faculty: Sonja Batten, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about “ACT for PTSD:The Case of Deborah, an Army Veteran” and earn 1.25 CE/CME credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for PTSD: Grounding Skills for Seeking Safety.
In this episode, our DBT expert Dr. Kirby Reutter examines the foundational concepts and ideas of DBT as applied to trauma and its related conditions. In doing so, he outlines the core of the DBT perspective, and how concepts such as dialectics and skills are put to work with this population. This application of dialectical behavior therapy to trauma is known as trauma-focused DBT or TF-DBT. Faculty: Kirby Reutter Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about “The Middle Path for Trauma Work: A Dialectical Behavioral Training” and earn 9.25 CE/CME credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill dives into the world of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Discover how being present can transform the way we approach anxiety and binge eating. Faculty: Diana Hill, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about ACT for “Binge Eating and Anxiety: A Clinical Case” and earn 1.25 CE/CME credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: “ACT for BED: Being Present and Mindful Eating”.
Discover effective strategies for safety planning and stress management! Basing his viewpoint on a case study, Dr. Dennis Hannon explores the importance of safety plans, the thermometer metaphor for distress levels, and a skills toolkit to address depression from a DBT perspective. Join us as we delve into valuable techniques to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Faculty: Dennis Hannon, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about DBT for Depression: The Case of Jackie and earn 1.5 CE/CME credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Distress Tolerance for Depression: Safety Plan and Stress Management Skills.
In this episode Dr. Michelle Woidneck explores two exercises, the million dollars and the loaded die, for explaining the concept of acceptance experientially in session for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.
Faculty: Michelle Woidneck, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about ACT for “Binge Eating and Anxiety: A Clinical Case” and earn 1.25 CE/CME credit.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: “ACT for GAD: The Million Dollars and Loaded Die Exercises.”
Dr. Jessica Borushok presents a clinical case of panic disorder with agoraphobia, treated with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Here, our faculty member shares practical strategies to address values and defusion processes. Faculty: Jessica Borushok, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about Values and Defusion Exercises in ACT for Panic Disorder and earn 1 CE/CME credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Values and Defusion Exercises in ACT for Panic Disorder.
Dr. Kirby Reutter shares practical strategies for addressing a case of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) approach. Learn how to use the safe place, the container, and the mindfulness reflections exercises to promote psychological stabilization in your clinical work. Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Mindfulness Skills for Trauma and PTSD: The Safe Place, the Container, and Mindfulness Reflections.
In this episode, Dr. Barbara Rothbaum shares a step-by-step guide to implementing imaginal exposure for clients with trauma. Imaginal exposure is a process of revisiting traumatic memories in order to effectively reprocess, and ultimately reduce the strength of, the emotions associated with those memories. Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * See more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians” and earn 7 CE/CME credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Implementing Imaginal Exposure: Revisiting the Trauma Memory.
In this episode, DBT expert Dr. Stephanie Vaughn describes the main functions of telephone coaching, or intersession contact. These include skills generalization, validating the need for additional contact, relationship repair, helping clients to process a previous individual or group session, crisis coaching, and intervening in suicidal or other risky behavior. Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE/CME credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Functions of Telephone Coaching.
In this episode of our series “Interviews With DBT Experts: From Trauma to Eating Disorders”, Dr. Kirby Reutter joins Dr. Mark Carlson and Dr. Dennis Hannon to discuss how to introduce distress tolerance skills to clients with chronic pain. They focus on how clients can proactively develop these skills while distinguishing them from avoidance or distraction. Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy. * Learn more about “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders” and earn 8 CE/CME credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: “DBT for Chronic Pain: Distress Tolerance and Emotion Regulation.”
In this episode of our series “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists,” we discuss introducing the concept of acceptance, also known as willingness, as a transition from control to the problem. Dr. Kate Morrison uses such metaphors as clean vs dirty pain, and one dial-one switch, to explain how willingness works in the treatment of OCD. Faculty: Kate Morrison, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy. * Learn more about “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists” and earn 8.75 CE/CME credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: “Willingness and Acceptance in ACT for OCD”.
In this episode our ACT expert, Dr. Sonja Batten, explains the role of mindfulness from the ACT perspective. Mindfulness is a core ACT component, and is understood as purposeful nonjudgmental observation of whatever is occurring in the present. This episode also explores how mindfulness is distinguished from similar practices such as meditation, and why it is located on the other pole from being on autopilot or disconnected from the here and now.
Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Mindfulness in ACT for PTSD.
This episode examines the most common concerns about intersession contact from a DBT perspective. Dr. Stephanie Vaughn explains how to address them and provides practical advice on how to avoid them from a therapist perspective. Establishing limits, maintaining an open discussion on the topic, and providing a clear rationale are critical aspects to keep in mind before providing intersession contact.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Limits and Other Concerns in DBT Intersession Contact.
In this episode, Dr. Barbara Rothbaum talks about imaginal exposure, a common treatment for PTSD. Imaginal exposure is a process through which the client revisits the traumatic memory and recounts it multiple times, in order to make sense of and emotionally process the experience.
Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- See more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians” and earn 7 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Imaginal Exposure for PTSD: Emotional Processing First Steps.
In this episode of our series “Interviews With DBT Experts: From Trauma to Eating Disorders”, Dr. Kirby Reutter joins Margaret Mullen to discuss the application of DBT for psychosis. They look at how mindfulness can be adapted to this population to promote acceptance and reduce distress.
Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders” and earn 8 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: DBT Skills for Emotional Dysregulation in Psychosis: A Clinical Case Study.
In this episode of our series “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists,” we talk about how to do behavioral tracking. Dr. Kate Morrison walks us through the self-monitoring form, which helps clients to gain insight into their obsessions, compulsions, and rituals, and respond to them more adaptively and flexibly.
Faculty: Kate Morrison, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists” and earn 8.75 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: “ACT for OCD: Behavior Tracking and the Self-Monitoring Form”.
This episode examines the ACT perspective on acceptance and willingness for treating trauma clients. They are seen as a functional alternative to control and avoidance, which are at the center of maintaining PTSD symptoms over time. Encouraging clients to engage in these new patterns requires therapists to help them understand the rationale behind acceptance and how it can improve quality of life.
Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Acceptance and Willingness in ACT for PTSD.
In this episode, Dr. Barbara Rothbaum explains what an in vivo exposure hierarchy is and how to create it. An in vivo hierarchy is an essential tool for guiding exposure work and evaluating progress in a quantitative way.
Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- See more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians and earn 7 CE/CME Credits”.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Constructing the In Vivo Exposure Hierarchy for PTSD Therapy.
In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Vaughn explains how intersession contact works from a DBT perspective, including its two main purposes and the rationale behind them. She also explores the factors affecting its frequency and length, and why disturbances in intersession contact are considered therapy-interfering behaviors. Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D. * Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials”and earn 5.25 CE/CME credits. * Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Intersession Contact and Telephone Coaching in DBT.
In this episode, Dr. D. J. Moran talks about experiential avoidance and how it can be an obstacle to living a meaningful life. From an ACT perspective, a flexible life doesn’t rely on avoiding uncomfortable feelings, but rather embracing them and developing effective behaviors so we can act according to our values.
Faculty: D. J. Moran, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about: “Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists” and earn 5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The Inflexahex Model in ACT: Acceptance vs Experiential Avoidance.
In this episode of our series “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders,” Dr. Kirby Reutter and Amy Dols, LPCC, explore the most common therapy-interfering behaviors in this population and how to address them using an adapted version of behavioral chain analysis.
Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D., Amy Dols, LPCC Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
Learn more about “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders” and earn 8 CE/CME credits. Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: DBT for Substance Use: Radical Acceptance, Grief, and Recovery-Interfering Behaviors
In this episode of our series “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists,” we talk about why obsessions aren’t the source of the problem in OCD. The problem is the way people interact with them and try to solve them. Dr. Morrison uses ‘The Leaky Pipe’ metaphor to explain this concept experientially.
Faculty: Kate Morrison, Ph.D. Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, LPsy.
- Learn more about “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists” and earn 8.75 CE / CME credits
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: “ACT for OCD: Why Problem-Solving Obsessions Doesn’t Work”
This episode explains the practical value of creative hopelessness when working with PTSD clients. Dr. Sonja Batten provides practical tips on how to use creative hopelessness to enhance willingness, and employs the quicksand metaphor as a practical tool for explaining it.
Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Creative Hopelessness and PTSD: The Quicksand Metaphor.
In this episode, Dr. Barbara Rothbaum shares an overview of in vivo exposure and explains how it promotes therapeutic change when addressing PTSD. In vivo exposure blocks negative reinforcement, previously fostered by avoidance, promoting self-agency and the understanding that feared situations are not dangerous per se.
Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians” and earn 7 CE/CME Credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: In Vivo Exposure Therapy for PTSD: The Essentials.
In this episode, distress tolerance skills are examined through the dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) lens. They should be used during crises, and as a way to avoid difficult outcomes, but not as a permanent solution as this could lead to avoidance. They are based on the idea of acceptance as a core concept in DBT.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: DBT Distress Tolerance Skills: Tip Skill, Stop Skill, and More.
In this episode, Dr. D. J. Moran, Ph.D., talks about the six elements of the ACT inhexaflex model. Each of the six elements of the hexaflex model (acceptance, defusion, self-as-context, committed action, values, and mindfulness) has its opposite that explains what leads a client toward inflexible psychological repertoires.
Faculty: D. J. Moran, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about “Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists” and earn 5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The Inflexahex Model and ACT: Six Converse Dyads to Understand Psychological Inflexibility.
In this episode of our series “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders,” Dr. Kirby Reutter and Amy Dols, LPCC, explore how to teach and model validation with clients with substance use issues. They provide model examples of its use in group therapy as a precursor to improving self-validation.
Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D., Amy Dols, LPCC. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders” and earn 8 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: DBT for Substance Use: Radical Acceptance, Grief, and Recovery-Interfering Behaviors.
In this episode of our series “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists,” we talk about experiential avoidance and its role in OCD. Experiential avoidance refers to an unwillingness to feel our internal experiences, and the ways we might therefore take steps away from them.
Faculty: Kate Morrison, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists” and earn 8.75 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: “ACT for OCD: What Is Experiential Avoidance?”
In this episode, Dr. Sonja Batten discusses practical strategies and relevant concepts to help increase a client’s willingness and reduce their avoidance behaviors. With PTSD clients, avoidance is at the center of their symptoms and is a crucial issue to work on in therapy.
Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Moving From Control and Avoidance Towards Willingness.
In this episode, Dr. Barbara Rothbaum shares a practical exercise for breathing retraining in prolonged exposure (PE) therapy. She guides us through the rationale of breathing retraining, and the exercise itself, as if we were in a PE session.
Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
Find out more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians” and earn 7 CE/CME credits. Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Breathing Retraining in PTSD: A Practical Exercise.
In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Vaughn explains how the DBT hierarchy can be used to select and prioritize treatment targets and goals. She provides practical examples and describes the three types of behavior included in the hierarchy.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The DBT Hierarchy: Prioritizing Treatment Targets.
In this episode, D. J. Moran, Ph.D., outlines which information should be included in an ACT case conceptualization. Dr. Moran also explains the importance of learning to conceptualize our cases, as part of becoming more effective therapists.
Faculty: D. J. Moran, Ph.D. Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D. Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists and earn 5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT Case Conceptualization: Assessing the Six Core Processes.
In this episode of our series “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders,” Dr. Kirby Reutter and Dr. Michael Maslar discuss the dynamics of interpersonal effectiveness and validation in the treatment of eating disorders.
Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D., Michael Maslar, Psy.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders” and earn 8 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills and Finding Validation.
In this episode of our series “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists,” we talk about how to describe the ACT framework to clients with OCD. Dr. Kate Morrison explains OCD and its main components in an ACT-consistent manner, describing such concepts as the automaticity of thoughts and internal experiences.
Faculty: Kate Morrison, Ph.D. Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D. Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists” and earn 8.75 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Introducing the Client to ACT for OCD.
Dr. Sonja Batten explains how values can be used as a cornerstone for motivating clients to examine painful memories, and to go through all the difficulties and obstacles attached to improving their symptoms. Practical examples and the rationale are provided to allow clinicians to have a solid understanding of this tool.
Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Values Clarification for PTSD: Rationale and Key Concepts.
In this episode, Dr. Barbara Rothbaum talks about the first steps in prolonged exposure (PE) therapy. Motivation and problem solving for successful therapy are important aspects to address at this stage of treatment.
Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians” and earn 7 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Preparing Clients for PE: First Steps.
This episode explores the role of a life worth living in selecting and prioritizing targets and goals during therapy. According to DBT, this idea must always be at center stage, since there is no better therapy outcome than improving clients’ lives, always in accord with their own values.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about "DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Stage Targets and Goals in DBT: Creating a Life Worth Living.
In this episode, Dr. D. J. Moran explains the final element of the hexaflex model: committed action. Since ACT comes from the behavioral tradition, its ultimate goal is behavioral change. Committed action means acting in the service of our values, even in the face of obstacles.
Faculty: D. J. Moran, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists and earn 5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Visit Values and Committed Actions in ACT.
In this episode of our series “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders,” Dr. Kirby Reutter and Dr. Michael Maslar explore how to apply distress tolerance techniques in treating eating disorders, and their connection with mindfulness.
Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D., Michael Maslar, Psy.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders” and earn 8 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Applying Distress Tolerance Skills.
In this episode of our series “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists,” we review how to assess treatment progress in ACT for obsessive-compulsive disorder. There are different ways to measure the effectiveness of the therapy, such as behavioral tracking, assessing psychological flexibility, and living through values.
Faculty: Kate Morrison, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists” and earn 8.75 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for OCD: Assessing Treatment Progress.
This episode describes the flexible protocol or session structure used in ACT for PTSD. Dr. Sonja V. Batten describes how therapists should use both adherence and competence when employing this or any other therapeutic approach. She also emphasizes the roles of flexibility and knowledge within the ACT therapeutic stance.
Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
In this episode, Dr. Barbara Rothbaum shares an overview of the structure and main components of prolonged exposure (PE) therapy. The PE manual gives a detailed structure of the therapy process, and of each session promoting effectiveness in the processing of traumatic experiences.
Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians” and earn 7 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: PE Therapy Sessions: Structure and Main Components.
Dr. Vaughn explores the client-therapist relationship while providing valuable insights about the goals and activities that should be carried out, such as intersession contact and weekly peer consultation sessions. She also explains the different parts that the individual therapist plays within this model: navigator, motivating cheerleader, collaborator, teacher, validator, and juggler.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
If life is a journey, values are the directions. In this episode, Dr. D. J. Moran talks about the importance of addressing values in therapy to promote meaning and well-being. Values are powerful mechanisms for fostering behavioral change in clients.
Faculty: D. J. Moran, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists and earn 5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The Journey of Life: A Metaphor for Values in ACT.
If life is a journey, values are the directions. In this episode, Dr. D. J. Moran talks about the importance of addressing values in therapy to promote meaning and well-being. Values are powerful mechanisms for fostering behavioral change in clients.
Faculty: D. J. Moran, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists and earn 5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The Journey of Life: A Metaphor for Values in ACT.
In this episode of our series, “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists,” we talk about the fundamentals of ACT and how we can use it to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an empirically-supported treatment that doesn’t focus on changing the content of the obsessions or compulsions, but on changing the way clients interact with them.
Faculty: Kate Morrison, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists” and earn 8.75 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Why ACT for OCD?
In this episode, we review the 5 things you should remember about the series “DBT Secrets No More: Animated Role Plays”, in which we explored how to apply DBT principles through mock sessions and practical exercises.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “DBT Secrets No More: Animated Role Plays” and earn 3.5 CE/CME credits.
In this episode, Dr. Batten examines several relevant topics to set the groundwork of ACT for PTSD. Comorbidities such as substance abuse, the role of avoidance, and how childhood trauma represents a particular challenge for clients are all reviewed, alongside important tips for improving your understanding of ACT.
Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for PTSD: Comorbidity, Childhood Trauma, and Skills Training.
In this episode, Dr. Rothbaum talks about the groundwork of Prolonged Exposure (PE). She explains the four cornerstones for overcoming fear: a firm grounding in the conceptual treatment model, a strong and collaborative therapeutic alliance, a clear and convincing rationale, and effective implementation of exposure techniques.
Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians and earn 7 CE/CME Credits”.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Using PE to Overcome Fear: Four Cornerstones.
In this episode, Dr. Vaughn examines the role of mindfulness in DBT and how it is integrated within the DBT skills group. Mindfulness skills are also examined, especially the three states of mind, and how the ‘wise mind’ integrates logic/reason and emotions in a more balanced way that helps clients improve their quality of life.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Mindfulness Skills in DBT: The Three States of Mind.
In this episode, Dr. Moran explains the fourth core process in the ACT hexagon model: mindfulness. He guides us through a brief mindfulness exercise, then reflects on what mindfulness is, the importance of its practice in promoting psychological flexibility, and its various benefits.
Faculty: D. J. Moran, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists and earn 5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? ACT and Mindfulness: Understanding the Relationship.
In this episode of our series “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists,” we talk about how to decide the best course of treatment for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Dr. Morrison explains the situations in which we can consider ACT instead of ERP, the usual gold standard treatment for OCD.
Faculty: Kate Morrison, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists” and earn 8.75 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for OCD: Deciding on a Course of Treatment.
In this episode of “DBT Secrets No More: Animated Role Plays,” we explore how to shift the patient’s attention from problematic behaviors to meaningful actions. Dr. Vaughn performs a mock session with her client Emily, which is about exploring goals towards a life worth living.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “DBT Secrets No More: Animated Role Plays” and earn 3.5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The Ultimate Goal in DBT: A Life Worth Living.
Dr. Batten outlines who can be good candidates for ACT treatment for PTSD, including clients who haven’t responded to traditional treatments or aren’t willing to engage in exposure-based treatment. She describes the settings where ACT has been employed, such as individual outpatient therapy and group treatment. Finally, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional functioning are explained as the main skills that PTSD patients acquire through ACT treatment.
Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT Treatment Targets for PTSD.
In this episode Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D., talks about the PE mechanisms of change. Since PTSD is a disorder of avoidance, emotional engagement is crucial for stimulating change. Other mechanisms discussed are the modification of erroneous cognition and diminishment of distress stemming from trauma.
Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians” and earn 7 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Mechanisms of PE in PTSD: Emotional Processing and Cognition Modification.
This episode of our series “DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” explains in detail how a DBT skills group works. The number of members, the weekly frequency of sessions, the rules, and the role of the therapist are examined, as well as the resources needed to conduct the sessions properly.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: DBT Skills Group: Rules and Resources.
In this episode, D. J. Moran, Ph.D. talks about defusion, the ability to take distance from ourselves and develop new perspectives on our mental behaviors. This concept is crucial for psychological flexibility because it helps us develop a healthier relationship with our thoughts and emotions.
Faculty: D. J. Moran, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists and earn 5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Defusion: A Core Process in the ACT Hexagon Model.
Using the hexagon model in ACT, Dr. Batten explains how ACT is employed to treat and understand trauma. A flexible approach is always present, as every client and trauma are understood using their own unique contexts and features. All six elements of the model have relative importance, depending on the client’s needs.
Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The ACT Model of Treatment: Focus on Trauma.
In this episode of our series “Interviews With DBT Experts: From Trauma to Eating Disorders”, Dr. Reutter joins Margaret Mullen to discuss the application of DBT for psychosis. Through a clinical case, they talk about the importance of applying emotion regulation skills to address psychotic symptoms and promote general well-being.
Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editors: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy., Anderson García, Ph.D., and David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders” and earn 8 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: DBT Skills for Emotional Dysregulation in Psychosis: A Clinical Case Study
In this episode of our series “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders,” Dr. Reutter joins Sheri Van Dijk to discuss the use of mindfulness in the treatment of eating disorders from the DBT perspective. Challenges arising from manic or depressive states, and the difference between formal and informal mindfulness, are also explored.
Faculty: Sheri Van Dijk and Kirby Reutter, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders” and earn 8 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version.
In this episode of our series “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders,” Dr. Reutter and Dr. Maslar explore how eating disorders represent an attempt by clients to regulate their own emotions. They also discuss employing the skill of opposite action when working with this specific population. Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D., Michael Maslar, Psy.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders” and earn 8 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: “Emotion Regulation and DBT Skills for Eating Disorders.”
In this episode of our series “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders,” Dr. Reutter and Amy Dols, LPCC, explore the applications of DBT for substance use disorders. This includes discussion of the grieving process these clients experience when quitting an addiction, and how radical acceptance is a key concept in this process.
Faculty: Kirby Reutter, Ph.D., Amy Dols, LPCC
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about “DBT Expert Interviews: From Trauma to Eating Disorders” and earn 8 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: DBT for Substance Use: Radical Acceptance, Grief, and Recovery-Interfering Behaviors
In this episode, D. J. Moran, Ph.D. talks about the concept of self-as-context. As he explains it, this is the transcendental psychological place from where we observe our thoughts and emotions. If we can observe our internal experiences it means that we are not attached to them, and we come to understand that it is possible to respond effectively based on our values instead of just reacting impulsively to them. That is why self-as-context is crucial for promoting psychological flexibility.
Faculty: D. J. Moran, Ph.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists and earn 5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Self-as-Context: A Core Process in the ACT Hexagon Model.
Dr. Vaughn explains the structure of DBT, which includes four modules: individual therapy, group skills training, peer consultation team meetings, and intersession contact between therapist and patient. It also requires a pretreatment period, which concludes with an agreement between therapist and client to work together for a defined period of time, usually one year.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D.
Host: Jessica Díaz, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The Structure of Standard DBT: The Four Skill Modules.
In this episode of our series “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists,” we review how to make a differential diagnosis and rule out other conditions which can be confused with OCD. Faculty: Kate Morrison, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists” and earn 8.75 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for OCD: Diagnostic Criteria and Differential Diagnosis.
In this episode of “DBT Secrets No More: Animated Role Plays,” we explore how to conduct phone coaching in DBT. Dr. Vaughn role plays a phone coaching session with her mock client Julie, in which she sets limits and provides realistic expectations about the help a client can receive in such a situation.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “DBT Secrets No More: Animated Role Plays” and earn 3.5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: DBT Phone Coaching: Validation, Vulnerabilities, and Self-Disclosure.
ACT provides the clinician with a clear understanding of PTSD and how its symptoms arise. This episode examines the key concepts of PTSD according to ACT. Dr. Batten explains that it is common to experience trauma symptoms after a traumatic event without developing PTSD. Also, each experience of trauma is seen as unique and understood as part of a wider context and life span.
Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for PTSD: Key Initial Concepts.
In this episode, Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D., talks about self-care for therapists when working with trauma clients. She explains that it’s crucial to develop a tolerance for our client’s emotions, and shares some tips to help us develop self-care. Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians and earn 7 CE/CME Credits”.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Self-Care for PTSD Therapists: Developing Tolerance for Patient Distress.
This episode of the series “DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” explores the foundations of DBT, including dialectics, mindfulness, and the balance between CBT and humanism. Additionally, Dr. Vaughn explains the origins and first steps of this therapeutic approach. Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: History of DBT: Origins and Foundations.
In this episode, we start discussing the Hexaflex model of psychological flexibility. Dr. D. J. Moran talks about the first component of this model: acceptance. Which means actively contacting our psychological experiences directly and fully, without needless defenses, while behaving effectively.
Faculty: D. J. Moran, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists and earn 5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Acceptance: A Core Process in the ACT Hexagon Model.
In this episode of our series “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists”, we discuss obsessive-compulsive disorder in depth and examine its main components, common themes, and thought patterns.
Faculty: Kate Morrison, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists” and earn 8.75 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for OCD: Key Initial Concepts.
In this episode of our series “DBT Secrets No More: Animated Role Plays” we discuss how to find the middle ground between showing validation to your client and expressing your perspective truthfully, not in a therapist-y way. Dr. Vaughn demonstrates how to use the strategy of plunging in where angels fear to tread.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “DBT Secrets No More: Animated Role Plays” and earn 3.5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Balancing Validation and Radical Genuineness in DBT.
Experiential avoidance is a key process in the development and maintenance of PTSD. In this episode we explore how this, and other processes such as fusion, affects the quality of life of clients with PTSD and other traumas by inducing inflexible behavior and thought patterns. Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for Trauma: Experiential Avoidance and PTSD.
In this episode of “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians”, Dr. Barbara Rothbaum talks about the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD and concludes with an important insight: PTSD is a disorder of extinction.
Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A. * Learn more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians” and earn 7 CE/CME Credits”.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Understanding DSM-5 Criteria for PTSD: A Disorder of Extinction.
The biosocial model in DBT provides a framework for understanding emotional dysregulation. In this episode, Dr. Vaughn explores its two main components: emotional sensitivity and an invalidating environment. In the transactions between these two things, emotional dysregulation occurs and is sustained through time.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The Biosocial Model in DBT: Emotional Dysregulation and Invalidating Environments.
In this episode, Dr. Moran explains the concept of psychological flexibility with a didactic metaphor. The hockey goalie metaphor describes how we, as hockey goalies, can commit to our values even in the face of obstacles. The main skill for doing it is flexibility.
Faculty: D. J. Moran, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about “Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists” and earn 5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The Hockey Goalie: A Metaphor for Psychological Flexibility.
To introduce the series “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists”, we examine the main objectives of ACT in OCD treatment. ACT aims to improve the relationship that clients have with their internal experiences so that they can build a meaningful life, despite their current situation.
Faculty: Kate Morrison, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about “The ACT for OCD Toolbox: A Guide for Therapists” and earn 8.75 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Treatment Targets and Goals in ACT for OCD.
In this episode of our series “DBT Secrets No More: Animated Role Plays”, Dr. Vaughn delivers a mock session to demonstrate how to address therapy-interfering behaviors, using the skills of validation and radical genuineness. Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, L.Psy.
- Learn more about DBT Secrets No More: Animated Role Plays and earn 3.5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The Dialectical Dilemma in DBT: Validation and Radical Genuineness.
In this episode of our series “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond”, we examine what makes ACT a unique approach to PTSD, and why it is an effective and evidence-based treatment for PTSD and similar diagnoses. By focusing on the quality of life rather than on exposure, ACT helps clients to work with a wider range of symptoms, and aspects of their lives.
Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The ACT Approach to Trauma and PTSD.
In this episode, Dr. Barbara Rothbaum explains the fear structure. It describes our functioning when danger appears and is a core concept for understanding PE.
Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Find out more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians and earn 7 CE/CME Credits.”
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: “PTSD From a PE View: The Fear Structure, Trauma, and Recovery.”
This episode explores the function of dialectics in the DBT approach, from balancing acceptance and change to working with different dilemmas faced by clients in their daily lives. This episode provides practical tips for understanding why and how dialectical theory is central to the DBT approach.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Dialectics in DBT: Balancing Acceptance and Change.
In this episode, Dr. D. J. Moran explains that ACT is supported by functional contextualism and relational frame theory. It makes ACT a pragmatic approach which has demonstrated effectiveness for clients with different diagnoses.
Faculty: D. J. Moran, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists and earn 5 CE/CME credits.
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT Is an Empirically-Supported Therapy: Background and Clinical Evidence.
To launch our series on “DBT Secrets No More: Animated Role Plays,” we introduce how to talk about commitments at the beginning of treatment and get your clients to engage in the therapy process. Dr. Vaughn uses a clinical case format to show us how to do it in session.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Jazmin Soto, LPsy.
- Learn more about “DBT Secrets No More: Animated Role Plays” and earn 3.5 CE/CME credits
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Commitment Strategies and Engagement in DBT
The first episode of our series “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” centers on the role of the ACT therapist and the therapeutic relationship, with a focus on trauma and PTSD. It describes how the therapeutic stance should be consistent and collaborative, since we are on the same boat with the client, but the client is the real expert on their own life.
Faculty: Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” and earn 8.25 CE/CME credits
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The ACT Therapist & Trauma
As an introduction to our series “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians”, we discuss some myths about this therapy. Our expert, Dr. Rothbaum, shares important insights towards understanding PE as an effective model for the treatment of PTSD.
Faculty: Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about “Learning Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians and earn 7 CE/CME Credits”
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: 8 Myths About Exposure Therapy
In this episode of our series “DBT in Practice: Mastering the Essentials”, we examine how therapists’ beliefs play a major role in the therapy’s outcome. We also explore different assumptions about patients, therapists, and treatment that you should grasp in order to properly treat patients through DBT, such as the need for self-help and peer consultation, and radical acceptance.
Faculty: Stephanie Vaughn, PsyD
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
- Learn more about ”DBT in Practice: Mastering The Essentials” and earn 5.25 CE / CME credits
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: DBT Assumptions About Patients, Therapists, and Treatment
This is the first episode of our series “Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists”.
Here we discuss the core concept of ACT: psychological flexibility. This promotes the ability to be in contact with the present moment, to be aware of our thoughts and emotions, and to act effectively according to our values.
Faculty: D. J. Moran, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
- Learn more about Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists and earn 5 CE/CME credits
- Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT and Psychological Flexibility: Why It Matters, Examples and Definitions