Mission

We have come to realize that the principles and skills inherent in DBT are useful for everyday life. Many of the patterns that have been useful within DBT are common patterns we all experience, although those in need of something like DBT often follow those patterns to extremes. Dialectics and the philosophy of DBT can be applied effectively for those who do not have as much difficulty in regulating their emotion, and also within important relationships.  Individuals who live to the principles are more likley to live a life well-lived. The primary goal of this site and our podcast is to improve the understanding and application of DBT principles with everyday examples.  Please see links at the bottom of the page for additional resources.

Assumptions

Dialectical Behavior Therapy has several assumptions.   The assumptions are healthy ideals we choose to believe without a need for proof.   Assumptions often serve to provide hope and reduce shame in individuals who have struggled with managing their emotions and behaviors. These are some of our favorite assumptions (Linehan, 1993). 

History

Our team has learned much about the patterns found in individuals with complex personal histories, problem lists, emotions, behaviors, etc. Because we work with high school aged females, our team often works intensely with families. We found that families are often are poorly informed and unaware of the level of suffering their daughter's experience. Families may not understand how shame affects behaviors that reinforce the shame. It takes time, considerable effort and understanding to communicate effectively with dialectics, phenomenological empathy, and validation. Over time, the team developed more than 25 hours of a multi-parent family group to help families develop skills.

Ulland and Jo worked with a DBT leadership team to co-develop a 5-day foundational training for staff, and have taught to local professionals and schools.   Over time we have developed a complimentary style of working together—we may often come to the same conclusion yet do so in rather different ways.  Teaching is central to how we work on the unit. We cannot overemphasize learning is a fundamental part of recovery. Our podcast and this site have become a natural extension of our desire to build a community of learning.