DBT’s options for solving ANY problem

By Marielle Berg | January 19, 2017
The 4 DBT problem-solving options you can use

As San Francisco DBT therapists, we work with people who want help managing emotions and relationships. We see all sorts of problems that result in all kinds of pain. Even though there are as many different problems as there are human beings, there are really only four solutions to solve any problem, regardless of what…

Fighting with your partner? Why the details don’t matter as much as you think they do

By Marielle Berg | December 3, 2016
Fighting with your partner?

Fighting with your partner? Why the details don’t matter as much as you think they do If you’ve been fighting with your partner, it’s natural to think that the problem between you is in the details of WHAT you fight about. Details of arguments do matter when you’re trying to work out agreements and compromises…

Do you need a break? DBT Distress Tolerance skills can help you

By Marielle Berg | November 14, 2016
learn about the DBT distress tolerance skills - mini vacation

Feeling overwhelmed? Dialectical Behavior Therapy’s (DBT) distress tolerance skills teach you different ways to ride out emotional overwhelm. One of DBT’s distress tolerance skills is called “taking a vacation from adulthood,” which means intentionally stepping back from life’s obligations to allow yourself to recharge. There’s a trick to taking this type of mini-vacation effectively. You…

Looking for a San Francisco DBT therapist? 4 questions to ask

By Marielle Berg | November 4, 2016
Four questions to ask a DBT therapist

Are you looking to start Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in San Francisco? Has someone suggested that DBT might help you? Or have you heard about DBT and think it might be the right fit for you? Whatever the case, if you’re looking to begin DBT, it’s important to ask a potential DBT therapist about their…

What is Emotional Dysregulation?

By Marielle Berg | September 8, 2016
What is emotional dysregulation

Do your emotions overwhelm you? Do you act in ways you later regret when you’re really upset? Are you not even sure what you’re feeling half the time? If so, you may be struggling with emotional dysregulation.   What is emotional dysregulation? Emotional dysregulation is a term used in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to describe…

How the DBT STOP Skill can help you

By Marielle Berg | September 6, 2016
what is the DBT STOP skill

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches you distress tolerance skills to help you deal with crisis situations. The first distress tolerance skill taught in DBT is called STOP. We will go into what the STOP skill is and how to use it, but first, let’s look at how DBT defines a crisis.   What is a…

Why it’s Hard to Change a Behavior

By Marielle Berg | August 10, 2016
DBT can help you change a behavior

If you struggle with any addictive or compulsive behaviors, you know how challenging it can be to change a behavior or stop. Whether it feels out of your control or you aren’t yet ready to make the change, the struggle can be overwhelming. Your problem behavior may be: Drinking or drugs Bingeing, purging or restricting…

What Happens in a DBT Group

By Marielle Berg | August 3, 2016
How a DBT group works

Thinking about joining a DBT group? Maybe a therapist suggested you check it out. Or maybe you’ve just heard about DBT and are curious about how it can help you. Let’s explain what happens in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy group and how it’s different from other therapy groups. How a DBT group is different from…

What you can do RIGHT NOW to improve your relationship

By Marielle Berg | July 25, 2016
Four things you can do to improve your relationship

In my last blog post, I wrote about things to avoid to make your relationship better. But today, I want to turn to what you can start doing right now to improve your relationship.   Here are 4 things that can help you improve your relationship Keep in mind, these are all things for you…

Want to make your relationship better right now? Stop doing these things

By Marielle Berg | July 21, 2016
Four things you can do to stop negative behaviors in your relationship

As a couples therapist in San Francisco who uses DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to help people handle conflict, I often see couples who want to stop negative cycles in their relationships. If you’re fighting with your partner, you’re probably frustrated, unhappy and disconnected. You may wonder if your relationship will be able to make it.…