Staff
Newest Counsellor to join the clinical team (probably sitting in this room).
Who is Tyler?
The OG of fellowship meetings.
What is Alcoholics Anonymous?
In DBT, this concept helps you hold two seemingly opposite ideas at once, like "I'm doing my best AND I need to do better." Also what the D stands for.
What are dialectics (or dialectical)?
In a healthy relationship, both people need to practice this, allowing them to express their feelings and needs.
What is communication?
This tool often used in recovery involves writing out emotions and experiences in a private space.
What is journaling?
Used to work in landscaping. Enjoys skateboarding and rap music. One of your favourite people to see at 4pm and suddenly least favourite at 4:40pm.
Who is Mikayla?
A mentor-like person that you connect with at meetings. They help you go through the steps.
What is a sponsor?
When you're in crisis and can't make things better right away, this DBT group of skills helps you survive the moment.
What is distress tolerance?
This unhealthy behavior is when someone ignores their own needs to take care of others, often to feel needed.
What is codependency?
Deep breathing and meditation are examples of this stress-reducing practice.
What is Mindfulness?
Enjoys collecting hockey memorabilia. Sweet but spicy. Can often be found "living the dream". Might catch them practicing their line dancing.
Who is Abby?
This phrase is a cornerstone of many recovery programs, reminding us to stay present.
What is "One day at a time"?
This DBT concept helps you accept reality instead of fighting it, especially during painful situations.
What is radical acceptance?
In a healthy relationship, both people need to have these to create space to be themselves (to have needs, feelings, and values) without guilt or control.
What are boundaries?
This is the opposite of isolation and often key to successful recovery.
What is connection or community?
Will probably tell your about their two cats (Apollo and Artemis). Enjoys heavy metal music. Has tattoos that represent their favourite bands. Will probably emphasize how important it is to understand the messages your emotions are sending you.
Who is Kass?
This short but powerful word means recognizing the need for help. Also a huge part of the 3rd step.
What is Surrender?
This distress tolerance skill involves putting your face in cold water or holding an ice cube to shock your nervous system. It also involves exercising (aerobic) and progressive muscle relaxation, paired with deep breathing.
What is the TIPP skill?
In recovery, it’s important to give support without doing this — taking over someone’s responsibilities or choices.
What is enabling?
HALT is an acronym for four triggers to avoid. (Name at least two.)
What is Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired?
Has a tattoo of the words "oh well". The only staff member who can beat Kass at MarioKart. Enjoys running marathons. Passionate about personal growth.
Who is Maheep?
A sponsor in recovery helps with this vital aspect of the 12-step program.
What is accountability or support?
This DBT skill teaches you how to ask for what you need or say “no” in a respectful way.
What is assertive communication (or DEAR MAN)?
A sign of growth in recovery is learning to say this without guilt.
What is "no"?
This brain chemical is involved in the reward system and is often hijacked by substance use.
What is dopamine?