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  • Author:

    Jesse Finkelstein, Psy.D.

  • Level: 

    Foundational

  • CREDIT(S):

    1 Credit

  • Video:

    1 hour

Real Skills for Real Life, DBT for Everyday Living

In this episode of Psyched to Practice, Dr. Jesse Finkelstein discusses his upcoming book, Real Skills for Real Life: DBT for Everyday Living, co-authored with Dr. Shireen Rizvi. The conversation explores how the core principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy—mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—can be translated into practical, usable skills for everyday life. Dr. Finkelstein discusses the creative process behind bringing DBT to a broader audience, including how to preserve nuance while making the concepts engaging and accessible. The episode also examines how therapists can help clients generalize skills outside of session, integrate creativity and authenticity into their work, and strengthen commitment to practice. Grounded in real-world examples and clinical insight, the discussion highlights how DBT’s blend of acceptance and change continues to evolve as both a therapy and a philosophy for living.

Course Objectives:

1. Identify three techniques clinicians can use to help clients strengthen generalization of DBT skills from session to daily life (e.g., in-the-moment coaching, behavioral rehearsal, and contextual problem-solving). 
2. Describe how to adapt core DBT skills—such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—into language and examples that increase relevance and engagement for diverse audiences.
3. Explain how integrating creativity, self-disclosure, and dialectical strategies in clinical work can enhance motivation, reduce shame, and promote sustained skills practice.

Guilford Author Highlight!

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Jesse Finkelstein, Psy.D.

Jesse Finkelstein, Psy.D.

Jesse Finkelstein, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and illustrator, founder of Axis Psychological Services (axiscbt.com), and co-founder of TheraHive (therahive.com), an online platform for DBT learning. Jesse is co-author of Real Skills for Real Life (Guilford Press) and creator of The Game of Real Life (Penguin Random House). His illustrations and animation design have supported federally funded research on disseminating therapeutic interventions.
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