Posts by Marielle Berg

In this episode of The Skillful Podcast, we answer two listener questions. The first question is from a listener who wants advice about balancing conflicting values to build a life worth living. The second question is about how to maintain your DBT skills practice once treatment has ended. Marielle and Ed discuss the issues these…

As we pass the year mark of pandemic life, many of us are exhausted and eager to get back to how things used to be. While there are positive developments with vaccination rates rising and case counts lowering in some parts of the world, the finish line is still far away. We need emotional stamina…

As we close out the year, new skills may be needed to help you get through a holiday season that’s unlike any other. Marielle and Ed discuss skills to help you cope and cultivate moments of joy. Isolation, a constant for many people these days, might be intensified during the holidays. Not being able to…

Today’s episode explores ten common interpersonal myths. These myths can prevent us from being as effective in relationships as we like. Some of these myths are about how we “should” be or how others “should” be. Some of these myths are about conflict, or about whether it’s ok to assert our need or say no.…

This is a special episode geared towards our listeners in the United States. We have a big election approaching and if you struggle with your emotions, you may be more impacted by the uncertainty, polarization, and chaos in our country.  Compounding the political uncertainty are environmental threats like wildfires and hurricanes. On top of all…

Do you find it hard to take care of yourself? The DBT skill of Self-Soothing is designed to help you tolerate distress, but it’s also helpful for regular self-care. This episode explores what exactly self-soothing is, when and how to use it, and common barriers to implementing it. Many of us are going through a…

Today, Marielle and Ed unpack what happens in the body and mind when an emotion occurs. There’s actually a lot going on!  If you are sensitive to or are confused by your emotions, it can be helpful to have an understanding of the different components that make up an emotional experience. DBT’s Model for Describing…

Today Marielle and Ed offer ways to use DBT skills to support emotional equilibrium during a time where systemic anti-black racism is being confronted and discussed in new and necessary ways. This episode is not about how to be anti-racist. That’s beyond what we can provide. The resources below serve as a starting point to…

Today Marielle and Ed answer listener questions.  The first question is from a listener in Sweden about how to cope with anger at others for not taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously.  Question two is about how to use DEAR MAN to say no. The final question in this episode is about how to figure out…

Today’s show revisits Radical Acceptance in the face of a global pandemic. Marielle and Ed discuss how they are using this skill (or not using it!) during this time. Ed is using Radical Acceptance a lot lately, as he feels like it is often the only thing to do in this situation. Marielle shares her…