A New DBT Skill

Got a problem? What if I told you I could help you solve any problem with 4 simple solutions? Seems unbelievable, right?

DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) recognizes that solving problems is one of life's major stressors. It believes that if we strengthen our problem solving skills, it will be easier to regulate our emotions in response to life's stressors. These skills are not something we are born with, and have to be learned, practiced and strengthened over time. DBT is an empirically supported therapeutic modality that many of our MFS clinicians integrate into their practices.

Check out this month's article written by our own Jaclyn Rink, LLP, who co-runs our 8-week Teen DBT group. Happy Problem Solving!

A new monthly newsletter addition from our Dietitian and Eating Disorder Recovery Team.

Food & Self-Compassion:

The weather is getting warmer, which means only one thing: bulky winter coats and sweaters are

out, t-shirts and shorts are in. Weather transitions can be a very difficult time for many people, as

our bodies often change during the colder months (Yoshimura et al., 2020). I often hear people

putting themselves down for not being able to fit in clothes from last spring/summer; this can

often affect one’s mood and self-esteem in a negative way. But remember: our bodies are not meant to stay the same, nor is it realistic to think that they will stay the same forever!



Just because it is okay that our bodies change with the seasons doesn’t make it any easier. With that in mind, I often encourage people to practice self-compassion. Self-compassion is creating a sense of self-worth by caring about your own well-being, allowing time to recover after a setback, and not judging yourself for mistakes. Essentially, self-compassion is treating yourself with the same support and understanding that you would with a good friend if they’re having a difficult time.

Here are some ways that you can practice self-compassion:

1. Treat yourself with kindness

2. Practice mindfulness

3. Reframe negative self-talk

4. Practice self-care

5. Use affirmations

Most importantly, if self-compassion doesn’t come easily to you at first, that is the perfect time to practice self-compassion by telling yourself it’s okay to not be good at something right away; like any new skill, practicing self-compassion takes time, patience, and consistency. If you want additional help fostering self-compassion, dealing with body image, or negative self-esteem, you can contact our office to book an appointment with our multidisciplinary Eating Disorder Treatment Team. We have immediate availability in person and virtually and we work with individuals of all ages and genders.

References:

Yoshimura, E., Tajiri, E., Hatamoto, Y., & Tanaka, S. (2020). Changes in Season Affect Body Weight, Physical Activity, Food Intake, and Sleep in Female College Students: A Preliminary Study. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(23), 8713. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238713