DBT and a quick update

DBT is going to be a lot more work than I thought. They are very strict about coming to the group sessions and the individual sessions. There is homework that they are very serious about.

I have to keep a daily log of:

Self-harm

Thoughts or plans of suicide

Binging, purging, or restricting (because of my history with eating disorders)

Substance abuse

And then there are all these that I have to log as well:

Lost temper

Boredom

Anger

Jealousy

Sadness

Disgust

Anxiety

Envy

Love

Joy

Shame

Thought skill

Used skill

Skill helped

Lying

There are weekly individual therapy sessions, weekly group, and phone coaching. My new therapist is available to me 24/7 for over the phone talks, which they encourage. If I’m having trouble I just call her on her cell phone and she helps talk me though how to cope.

The program is based on coping skills and was mainly built for bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. And being completely honest, the whole thing scares me. I haven't really figured out why yet. I’m doing well and I want to continue to do well but I’m feeling very uneasy about it. My therapist (or I guess my old therapist) told me if I’m having trouble with the idea of it, think about it from a professional perspective- it’s a course preparing me for want I want to do career wise. So I’m keeping that in mind.

And even though I haven’t seen my (old) therapist in over a month, it’s hard thinking that he is not my current therapist. I can go back to him in six months when the program is over. But I’ve been going to him for almost three years, it is hard thinking about going an extended period of time without talking to him.

Anyway enough of that.

I’m almost done with this semester. I guess it will be nice to have a break, but I’m so excited about next semester. I’m talking Child Behavior and Development and Counselling Skills. I haven’t taken a class that I actually want to take in over a year. And I’m taking TWO classes that I want. I’m pumped.

Further news regarding my little mental health advocacy work. I’m hoping to expand this website to include more than just a blog. I am 95% sure I am going to the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) convention in July. That mainly depends on finances (it’s going to cost me $1,500). There has also been talk of me being involved in a radio show (thanks again for the interest, you know who you are!!). I also have someone interested in being a guest blogger in the near future. Exciting stuff going on!!