The Skills Podcast

Welcome back to Emotion Regulation! Today, Meredith walks us through the skills of Checking the Facts and Opposite Action (all the way!), both of which can help us respond more skillfully to our emotions and their accompanying urges.Chapters:Chapters00:00 Recap of Model for Describing Emotions02:20 Intro to Checking The Facts06:11 The Skill of Checking the Facts11:45 Assessing Threats and Catastrophes17:05 Coping Ahead: Preparing for Emotional Challenges23:05 Checking the Facts: Understanding Emotional Responses27:04 Opposite Action: Transforming Emotional Responses30:21 Practical Applications of Opposite Action42:52 Building Awareness and Support in Emotional RegulationReferences:https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastDBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition, Marsha M. Linehan https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Manual/Marsha-Linehan/9781462556359Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or wellbeing.Connect with Meredith & Faith:Visit The Skills Podcast WEBSITE: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastVisit the BLOG: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/blogFollow On Point Practice on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/onpointpractice/Follow The Skills Podcast on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theskillspodcast/ Connect with Meredith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmeyerlmft/Connect with Faith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-meyer/

We sat down with Shirali and Arul Nigam of Circuit Breaker Labs to explore the intersection of AI and mental health. We cover how AI is designed to work (not just LLMs), shared tips for how we as consumers can more skillfully interact with AI, where the creators of AI can do more to enhance both ethical considerations and general safety testing, and talk about our hopes for what AI can help unlock within mental health and business.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI and Mental Health01:30 The Founders' Journey and Circuit Breaker Labs05:17 Understanding AI: How Large Language Models Work07:56 AI's Role in Mental Health: Opportunities and Concerns10:52 Navigating AI's Empathy and Limitations13:39 Safety in AI Systems & the Role of Creators in Enhancing AI Safety18:58 Evaluating AI Platforms for Mental Health Support21:22 Circuit Breaker Labs: Testing AI for Vulnerabilities26:28 Collaborating with Clinicians for Trustworthy AI28:29 Empowering Consumers with Information30:06 Maintaining Critical Thinking in the Age of AI36:53 Speculating About the Future of AI and Human ConnectionReferences:Circuit Breaker Labs | Read their whitepaper here!https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastDisclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or wellbeing.Connect with Meredith & Faith:Visit The Skills Podcast WEBSITE: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastVisit the BLOG: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/blogFollow On Point Practice on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/onpointpractice/Follow The Skills Podcast on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theskillspodcast/ Connect with Meredith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmeyerlmft/Connect with Faith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-meyer/

In Part 2 of Emotion Regulation, Meredith takes us through the different elements of emotion regulation, including biological, environmental and cognitive factors that influence our ability to manage emotions effectively. We also share a roadmap and practical insights to better understand and work with our emotional responses.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Emotion Regulation00:59 Understanding Emotional Sensitivity03:26 The Role of Environment in Emotion Regulation06:02 Lack of Skills and Emotional Models08:30 Mood and Energy Levels in Regulation11:14 High Arousal and Emotional Overload13:56 Myths Surrounding Emotions16:18 The Model for Describing Emotions22:17 Understanding Emotional Prompting and Interpretation25:20 The Cycle of Emotions and Action Urges28:29 Vulnerability Factors in Emotional Regulation30:49 Building a Foundation for Emotion Regulation34:13 The Importance of Awareness in Emotional Responses38:53 Judgment and Self-Reflection in Emotional UnderstandingReferences:https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastDBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition, Marsha M. Linehan https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Manual/Marsha-Linehan/9781462556359Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or wellbeing.Connect with Meredith & Faith:Visit The Skills Podcast WEBSITE: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastVisit the BLOG: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/blogFollow On Point Practice on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/onpointpractice/Follow The Skills Podcast on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theskillspodcast/ Connect with Meredith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmeyerlmft/Connect with Faith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-meyer/

Welcome to Emotion Regulation! In this episode, Meredith walks you through what it means to regulate our emotions. She double-clicks on some of the core emotions that we all experience to unpack not only their message but the action urges that accompany them so we can not only be more skillful in how we interact with them, but also understand some of the myths we buy into around our emotions.Chapters:00:00 Understanding the Core Functions of Emotions02:09 What Our Emotions Do for Us07:51 The Actions Emotions Prepare Us For08:58 Joy & Sustaining the Feeling13:23 Masking & Agency in Regulating Emotions16:18 Anger & Blocked Goals20:46 Naming the Emotion and/or the Need24:47 Fear & Anxiety26:51 Guilt & Shame29:58 Navigating Guilt, Shame & Mistakes with Your Team33:11 Envy & Jealousy36:53 The Importance of Sadness39:42 Practical Steps for Growing Emotional AwarenessReferences:https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastDBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition, Marsha M. Linehan https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Manual/Marsha-Linehan/9781462556359Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or wellbeing.Connect with Meredith & Faith:Visit The Skills Podcast WEBSITE: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastVisit the BLOG: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/blogFollow On Point Practice on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/onpointpractice/Follow The Skills Podcast on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theskillspodcast/ Connect with Meredith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmeyerlmft/Connect with Faith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-meyer/

Today, Meredith takes us through tolerating distress through radical acceptance and mindfulness of thoughts. We cover the role pain plays in our lives and different ways we can engage with reality, to practical steps to cultivate acceptance. As always, we tried to pack this conversation full of valuable tools for you to leverage for more skillful emotional regulation and overall resilience. Let us know if you have any questions!Chapters:00:00 Introduction 01:59 Understanding Radical Acceptance04:39 Practical Applications of Radical Acceptance11:43 What Radical Acceptance Is Not16:18 Step-by-Step Guide to Radical Acceptance21:52 Turning the Mind27:44 Willingness vs. Willfulness31:15 Willing Hands & Half Smile38:47 Mindfulness of ThoughtsReferences:https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastDBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition, Marsha M. Linehan https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Manual/Marsha-Linehan/9781462556359Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or wellbeing.References:https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastDBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition, Marsha M. Linehan https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Manual/Marsha-Linehan/9781462556359Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or wellbeing.Connect with Meredith & Faith:Visit The Skills Podcast WEBSITE: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastVisit the BLOG: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/blogFollow On Point Practice on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/onpointpractice/Follow The Skills Podcast on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theskillspodcast/ Connect with Meredith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmeyerlmft/Connect with Faith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-meyer/

We sat down with Patrik and Maria of Palomarin Consulting to talk leadership, the balance between team dynamics and organizational goals, the role of mentorship, and the necessity of curiosity and humility in effective leadership. We also discuss practical strategies for leaders to foster a supportive environment while navigating the complexities of their roles.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Patrik & Maria05:27 Understanding Psychological Safety08:19 The Balance of Vulnerability and Productivity11:35 Navigating Leadership Transitions14:25 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership17:29 Mentorship and Role Models in Leadership20:28 Observing Team Dynamics27:22 Challenges in Behavioral Health Leadership29:08 Dialectics in Leadership32:38 Balancing Team Needs and Organizational Goals42:50 The Art of Transparency in Leadership44:30 Trauma-Informed Leadership46:55 Curiosity and Humility49:06 Authenticity and Validation52:07 Coaching and Community EngagementDisclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or wellbeing.References:https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastOn psychological safety:  The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth by Amy C. EdmondsonOn trauma-informed leadership: Evolve: The Path to Trauma-Informed Leadership Paperback –  by Carolyn SworaConnect with Meredith & Faith:Visit The Skills Podcast WEBSITE: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastVisit the BLOG: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/blogFollow On Point Practice on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/onpointpractice/Follow The Skills Podcast on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theskillspodcast/ Connect with Meredith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmeyerlmft/Connect with Faith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-meyer/

This week, we continue building our distress tolerance skills by learning the IMPROVE skills, which help us improve the moment with imagery, meaning, prayer, relaxing actions, one thing in the moment, a brief vacation, and self-encouragement or rethinking the moment. 00:00 Introduction02:04 Improving the Moment with Imagery05:44 Making Meaning07:58 Prayer & Internal Dialogue10:32 Relaxing Actions16:28 One Thing in the Moment19:27 Taking a Brief Vacation from Adulthood26:46 The Power of Self-Encouragement31:13 Rethinking Self-Criticism32:29 Substituting ThoughtsDisclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or wellbeing.References:https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastDBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition, Marsha M. Linehan https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Manual/Marsha-Linehan/9781462556359References:https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastDBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition, Marsha M. Linehan https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Manual/Marsha-Linehan/9781462556359Connect with Meredith & Faith:Visit The Skills Podcast WEBSITE: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastVisit the BLOG: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/blogFollow On Point Practice on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/onpointpractice/Follow The Skills Podcast on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theskillspodcast/ Connect with Meredith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmeyerlmft/Connect with Faith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-meyer/

In this episode, Meredith and Faith explore the ACCEPTS skills to help manage emotional distress. They also discuss tactics for self-soothing through sensory experiences, highlighting how both approaches can foster greater emotional regulation and resilience. Let's dive back in!00:00 Introduction to Distress Tolerance Skills01:00 The ACCEPTS Skills Overview02:14 Distraction Techniques: Activities and Contributions07:38 Using Comparisons and Emotions for Distraction09:02 Distracting by Evoking Emotion & Pushing Away15:15 Distracting with Thoughts16:35 Distracting with Sensations18:49 Recap and Integration of ACCEPTS Skills29:56 Self Soothing Intro & Soothing Via Our Sense of Sight38:13 Soothing Through Our Sense of Hearing42:27 Soothing Through Our Sense of Smell44:40 Using Taste to Self Soothe47:14 Self Soothing with Touch50:10 Soothing with Movement52:29 Recapping Distractions & Self SoothingDisclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or wellbeing.References:https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastDBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition, Marsha M. Linehan https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Manual/Marsha-Linehan/9781462556359

Welcome to Episode 6. Meredith introduces the TIPP skills, which work with our bodies' biology to help us downshift the intensity in high moments of distress. From small tools that are nearly invisible, to tools like submerging our faces in ice water... these tools are both powerful and portable!Chapters:0:00 Introduction to Distress Tolerance Skills02:11 Exploring TIPP Skills: Overview and Importance05:03 Paired Muscle Relaxation: Techniques and Benefits16:04 Paced Breathing: Understanding and Practice30:07 Intense Exercise: Possibly Counterintuitive but Effective37:45 Temperature Change: The Dive Response and How to Activate It!Disclaimer:The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before trying any new techniques that may affect your body’s physiology, especially if you have a heart condition, low blood pressure, or other medical concerns. Use discretion and proceed at your own comfort level.Resources: Furey, Edward "Target Heart Rate Calculator" at https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/health/target-heart-rate-zone-calculator.php from CalculatorSoup, https://www.calculatorsoup.com - Online CalculatorsMammalian Dive Reflex https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkhGeHLzHJ8References:https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastDBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition, Marsha M. Linehan https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Manual/Marsha-Linehan/9781462556359Connect with Meredith & Faith:Visit The Skills Podcast WEBSITE: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastVisit the BLOG: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/blogFollow On Point Practice on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/onpointpractice/Follow The Skills Podcast on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theskillspodcast/ Connect with Meredith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmeyerlmft/Connect with Faith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-meyer/

Today, we begin to explore skills that help us tolerate times when we experience distress. Meredith introduces two tools that we can use any time we're experiencing heightened emotional reactivity. These tools can be especially helpful in crisis situations to help us not make things worse.Chapters:0:00 Intro2:00 Goals of Distress Tolerance6:02 Options for Solving Any Problem11:38 When to Use Crisis Survival Skills17:30 STOP Skill28:52 Pros & Cons Skill37:44 Pros & Cons Worksheet44:36 Practicing the STOP Skill Worksheet45:30 Meredith's tip for how to mentally take a step back (STOP skill)References:https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastDBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition, Marsha M. Linehan https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Manual/Marsha-Linehan/9781462556359Connect with Meredith & Faith:Visit The Skills Podcast WEBSITE: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastVisit the BLOG: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/blogFollow On Point Practice on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/onpointpractice/Follow The Skills Podcast on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theskillspodcast/ Connect with Meredith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmeyerlmft/Connect with Faith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-meyer/

Today, we explore the mindfulness "What" skills that support what we can do to get into the present moment, and the "How" skills that support how we can practice being mindful in any given moment and participate fully in life. Hosted by Faith Meyer, CEO Coach and Meredith Meyer, licensed marriage & family therapist and DBT-LBC™ Certified Clinician. Chapters: 03:00 – Observing — The Opposite of Multitasking 06:30 – Curiosity & Beginner's Mind 12:00 – Describing — Putting Words on What We Observe 17:30 – Participation 20:00 – Participation and Urge Surfing 30:21 – Nonjudgmental Stance 43:00 – Being One-Mindful 52:20 – Effectively — Doing What WorksReferences: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcast DBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition, Marsha M. Linehan https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Manual/Marsha-Linehan/9781462556359Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or wellbeing.Connect with Meredith & Faith:Visit The Skills Podcast WEBSITE: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastVisit the BLOG: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/blogFollow On Point Practice on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/onpointpractice/Follow The Skills Podcast on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theskillspodcast/ Connect with Meredith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmeyerlmft/Connect with Faith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-meyer/

Welcome to Episode 3, where we begin our Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills exploration. In this episode Meredith Meyer, licensed marriage & family therapist and DBT-LBC™ Certified Clinician provides an introduction to Mindfulness and the concept of the Three States of Mind. Learning mindfulness helps create a foundation that all of the other skills will build on. Everything begins with awareness. Let's dive in! Chapters:01:52 – Overview of DBT Skills Modules 03:14 – Defining Autopilot — The Opposite of Mindfulness 06:39 – Defining Mindfulness and Practice as Presence 10:49 – Distractions and Returning Gently 17:16 – Past and Future Thinking 23:00 – Three States of Mind — Introducing Wise Mind 27:36 – Exploring Reasonable Mind and Emotion Mind 31:16 – Wise Mind 38:48 – Practicing Awareness and Gentle Labeling 42:53 – Letting Go of ‘Shoulds’ and Practicing ChoiceReferences: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastDBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition, Marsha M. Linehan https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Manual/Marsha-Linehan/9781462556359Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or wellbeing.Connect with Meredith & Faith:Visit The Skills Podcast WEBSITE: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastVisit the BLOG: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/blogFollow On Point Practice on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/onpointpractice/Follow The Skills Podcast on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theskillspodcast/ Connect with Meredith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmeyerlmft/Connect with Faith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-meyer/

Faith and Meredith continue exploring what healthy conflict looks like and focus in on two specific skills: Accurate Expression and Validation. They also touch on how this shows up when training new hires, direct and indirect communication, how we can fall into assumptions and "mind reading," and the role our core values play.Chapters:0:00 Intro1:30 Conflict Cycles, Influences, Roles & What we can do differently5:20 Validation as a Skill Set19:55 How this plays out when training new hires22:00 How your values can help you move out of the conflict cycle26:15 The Transactional Model45:05 Direct vs. Indirect Communication, Mind ReadingDisclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or wellbeing.Connect with Meredith & Faith:Visit The Skills Podcast WEBSITE: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastVisit the BLOG: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/blogFollow On Point Practice on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/onpointpractice/Follow The Skills Podcast on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theskillspodcast/ Connect with Meredith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmeyerlmft/Connect with Faith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-meyer/

Faith Meyer and Meredith Meyer kick things off for The Skills Podcast by sharing a little bit about their respective backgrounds (CEO Coaching and DBT Therapy) and explore what healthy conflict is.Chapters:0:00 Introductions4:05 DBT Overview12:50 Exploring Healthy Conflict25:05 Tools & ResourcesReferences:www.feelingswheel.comwww.nycnvc.com/needsDisclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or wellbeing.Connect with Meredith & Faith:Visit The Skills Podcast WEBSITE: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/theskillspodcastVisit the BLOG: https://www.theonpointpractice.com/blogFollow On Point Practice on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/onpointpractice/Follow The Skills Podcast on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theskillspodcast/ Connect with Meredith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmeyerlmft/Connect with Faith on LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-meyer/