DBT: Behavior chains, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation

In this podcast episode Betsy talks with Laurel Mellin, PhD, who is the founder of EBT, or emotional brain training.  Laurel explains in great detail how this specific brain training system works, specifically giving examples related to (among other things) binge eating and childhood situations that were at the root of unwanted behaviors. She talks about the difference between low level stressful emotions and the higher level emotions which get trapped in the subconsious mind on a feedback loop.  In this intricate system, the user learns to recognize that the unwanted behaviors we face are not about the behavior but about the brain circuits, which can be totally transformed.   This healing modality often paralells the model of internal family systems, or IFS, of which Betsy is a practioner.  Emotional Brain Training, or EBT uses a specific phone app and peer support, and breaks behaviors down into 5 specific brain states.    For more information about working with Betsy you can go to her website, www.betsythurstonrd.com  

During this conversation with weight loss coach Deb Butler, you will hear about her personal journey with weight issues and her process when working with women with similar issues. We talk about thoughts, intuitive eating, emotional eating, how menopause is in some ways like adolesence, and about how finding peace in life is the backbone for change. The conversation went into all sorts of topics that can be helpful to anyone struggling with food and the body.  For more information about Betsy, or to book an appointment, you can access her website here: www.betsythurstonrd.com   To find out more information about Deb Butler, you can connect with her through  her social media: Website: http://drdebbutler.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdebbutler/ Instagram: @drdebbutler or https://www.instagram.com/drdebbutler/?hl=en Podcast, Thinner Peace in Menopause: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinner-peace-in-menopause/id1097852666  

Betsy talks about the techniques offered in the book The Practice of Embodying Emotions by Raja Selvam, PhD. in order to help listeners learn a tool to help completely change their unwanted behaviors. She gives specific examples and case studies that are presented in the book. 

In this podcast Betsy talks about the artform of integrating the experience of fear in all its forms, using ideas from psychology and spirituality. Included in the discussion is a look at the problem of judgment towards the body and she teaches a specific exercise you can do to work towards body acceptance.  Finally, the podcast talks about the importance of refocusing attention away from problems and towards solutions, with specific action steps to take to help the nervous system get out of dysregulation. 

On this podcast Betsy interviews Dr. Paul Kolodzik, who specializes in the prudent use of weight loss drugs, low carbohydrate diets and blood glucose monitoring for people who have trouble losing weight. Insulin resistance is a very common condition in people with weight issues, and Dr. Kolodzik talks about his approach to working with this population .  Listen to this practical and in depth interview here! 

Betsy talks about the brain's "habit" of addiction, eating disorders, pain, anxiety, and even OCD, and one approach to help recover.  She reviews concepts from a book called The Pain Habit by Drew Coverdale.  Topics include the subconscious and conscious mind, buidling resilence, and learning how to become your own healer.  

On this episode Betsy looks at some of the key components of intuitive eating and how to apply them more fully in order to obtain a new relationship with eating.  She also sprinkles in some of the ideas from manifesting, or the Law of Attraction. Topics include having the right mental approach, tuning into hunger and fullness,  looking at the satisfaction factor, considering emotional eating and remembering body respect.

In this episode Betsy talks about the specific skills involved with DBT therapy. She details what to do and how to use some of the best DBT practices, using examples from a client.  As always, she sprinkles in some spiritual concepts along the way. 

In this episode Betsy gives a mini book report on Jill Bolte Taylor's "Whole Brain Living" which  talks about integrating the brain's left and right hemispheres so that unwanted behaviors and habits can shift. She talks about the brain's connection with health, spirituality, and habits as it shows up in the micromoments of day to day life. This episode explains practical tools to help you change such as the 90 second rule and the brain huddle. It can be useful for people with eating issues and for people with ruminating thoughts, compulsive habits, and over active perfectionist tendencies. 

In this episode Betsy talks with Registered Dietitian and diabetes expert Ben Tzeel about how to successfully navigate mental struggles and food confusion that might come up for people with either Type I or Type 2 diabetes. We talk about some common struggles that might also happen with disordered eating. Even for listeners who don't have diabetes, this episode will have relatable topics for people trying to have a better relationship with food.