You know those moments when anger takes over your home? When your partner snaps or your kids throw fits over minor disagreements, and family dinners turn into shouting matches? Sound familiar? If your family could use some anger management skills, don’t worry, it’s not just you and there are proven strategies that can help. Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, offers many skills and tools tailored to families who are having trouble figuring out how to deal with anger. Taking small, intentional steps with DBT can create a strong foundation for cultivating harmonious and fulfilling relationshi ..read more

Parenting a teenager can be challenging, especially when it comes to knowing what to say to keep them talking. One powerful tool parents can use to connect with their teenagers is validation. Validation involves acknowledging and accepting the teenager’s feelings and experiences as valid and understandable. In this guide, we’ll explore the six levels of validation and provide examples of how parents can incorporate them into conversations with their teenagers. 1. Being Present (Level 1) Being present means giving your full attention to your teenager without distractions. This shows them that ..read more

  Suicide can be a frightening word. When you’re concerned your teen may be having suicidal thoughts, it can become particularly frightening. You want to help your teen, but you may be unsure where to start, or how to help. You don’t want them to push you away, and you may be concerned that talking about it may encourage them to do something impulsive. We understand your concern. Working with teens with self harm and suicidal thoughts is part of what we do at Suffolk DBT, and we want to make sure you know that you’re not alone in this. There are so many ways you can help your teen, wheth ..read more

The therapists and staff at Suffolk DBT are concerned for the mental health and safety of our clients on Long Island and in NYC. We’ve compiled a list of New York specific mental health resources as a reference for you or your loved one with suicidal thoughts.  Please know, help is available. If you are in immediate crisis, do not wait for a reply. Go to your nearest emergency department for an evaluation. To reach a suicide and crisis lifeline, dial 988 now. Or read below, for more resources: Nassau County, NY Mental Health Resources: Mental Health Association of Nassau County Nassau Co ..read more

Have you ever experienced feeling unloved or unheard by your significant other after opening up about your emotions? It can be an excruciating experience, right? This Valentine’s Day, we’re focusing in on how to heal from harmful invalidation in your relationships and rediscovering how to love (and trust) again. By utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, you can reinforce your connections and develop healthier ways of communicating with the people you hold dear. Understanding Harmful Invalidation in Relationships If you’ve ever felt like your thoughts and emotions, have been disr ..read more

Do you ever find it hard to control your emotions? We know being a teenager is no cakewalk; one moment, you feel great; the next, you feel angry or sad for no reason. Being a teenager can be challenging, and with all the changes happening to your body and mind, it’s no surprise that you may be feeling all over the place. But what if we told you that you don’t always have to feel overwhelmed by your feelings? We know how it sounds, but it’s not too good to be true. There are techniques you can use to manage your intense feelings and take control of your emotions.  One effective method tha ..read more

Are you ready for a change? Do you feel like you need a fresh start in life? You may have been through a tough time recently or are struggling with your mental health. Or you’re stuck in a rut and want to inject purpose and excitement into your days. Whatever your reason, the good news is that you have the power to transform your life and create the future you’ve been dreaming of! With the help of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), you can learn practical strategies for goal setting, preparing for new beginnings, and building the life you truly want. So why wait? Keep reading to discover how ..read more

The post How Exposure and Ritual Prevention Therapy (ExRP) Works for People with OCD appeared first on Suffolk DBT ..read more

Imagine you’re playing a video game where you have to balance on a tightrope while juggling and fighting off ninjas. Sounds tough, right? Well, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT for short, is a kind of therapy that teaches you skills kind of like how to balance, juggle, and fight in the game of life, especially when your emotions feel as challenging as that video game scenario. DBT is a special kind of therapy that was created for people who have really strong emotions that they find hard to control. It’s like a mix of learning how to change what you do and think (that’s the behavior the ..read more

Winter may be coming, but don’t won’t let the chill ruin your vibe! As grown-ups, we often get caught up in the monotony of life and forget to have fun. But instead of feeling down and out this season, let’s make it one of the most thrilling ones yet! Let’s break the mundane routine and make this winter memorable by exploring new adventures and rediscovering play as an adult. Take the plunge, try winter sports, or host a game night with your friends. How about unleashing your creativity and diving into an arts and crafts project? These activities will create unforgettable memories ..read more