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Hello, I’m Roland Smart, welcoming you back to another recap of our TheraHive Instagram Live. This time, we explored the role of Mindfulness in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), joined by our DBT experts Dr. Kiki Fehling, Dr. Alicia Smart, and Dr. Jesse Finkelstein.
Meet Our Panelists:
- Special Guest Dr. Kiki Fehling: A clinical psychologist and a board-certified DBT expert clinician
- Dr. Jesse Finkelstein: A Doctor of Clinical Psychology and a postdoctoral fellow at Columbia, and a co-founder of TheraHive
- Dr. Alicia Smart: Founder of a Guidepost DBT in California who has dedicated her career to making DBT skills more accessible to a broader audience, also a TheraHive co-founder.
Watch the Video Here:
Recap: Understanding Mindfulness in DBT
Mindfulness in DBT extends beyond meditation. Dr. Alicia Smart describes it as "a way to be present in the moment without pushing away the moment or clinging to the moment in a non-judgmental awareness."
The Role of Mindfulness in Emotional and Behavioral Management
Dr. Jesse Finkelstein stressed the role of mindfulness in identifying and managing emotions and behaviors, saying, "it's really hard to change something that you have no awareness of."
Wise Mind: The Integration of Emotion and Reason
Dr. Kiki Fehling discussed the concept of Wise Mind, explaining it as "accessing the deepest, most authentic truth of your experience...integrating different states of mind."
In DBT, Wise Mind is seen as an inner state of knowledge and intuition, where emotional (Emotion Mind) and rational (Reasonable Mind) thoughts converge. Emotion Mind is where our feelings reside, driving our reactions and decisions with intense emotional energy. This can often lead to impulsive actions or overwhelming emotional states. On the other hand, Reasonable Mind is driven by logic, facts, and objectivity, sometimes at the expense of overlooking emotional nuances and personal values.
Learn more about Wise Mind in DBT.
The Appropriateness of Mindfulness
Not all situations may benefit from mindfulness. Dr. Alicia Smart highlighted, "there can be times where we are mindfully unmindful...choosing to be a little checked out right now but doing it in a mindful way as opposed to a habitual way."
Changing Emotions with Mindfulness
The panelists agreed that while changing emotions is not the primary goal of mindfulness, it can be a natural outcome. Dr. Jesse Finkelstein remarked, "the simple act of noticing can change an emotional state."
Incorporating Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Dr. Kiki Fehling encouraged daily mindfulness practice, suggesting, "putting [mindfulness] in your calendar, putting Post-it notes up, wearing a bracelet that means something to you."
Conclusion and Looking Forward
Our discussion underscored that mindfulness in DBT is more than a technique; it's a transformative approach to life. To continue your DBT journey with us, keep an eye out for our upcoming sessions on emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. Stay engaged, stay mindful.
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