Author: kaylabettisweber

When I tell people I teach the SFBT social work course at the University of Denver, I usually get a good laugh. And I love that! I feel so seen as a psychodynamic, relational trauma-therapist, sometimes coined a “lifetime therapist.” I’m specifically referencing the word, “brief.” Trauma treatment is a lot of things and brief … Continue reading Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

The youngest and most innocent members of our society are facing a cruel and vicious cycle of collective trauma at the hands of violence that will cause deep scarring, with emotional and psychological ramifications that persist throughout the lifespan. Mental illness, drug addiction, incarceration, social isolation, self harm and further violence are familiar outcomes for … Continue reading PSA

I’ve come to know these themes both personally and professionally over the last few years. It happens that the circumstances of our life mirror what resides inside. And that inner world is a representation of the collective, including our current societal themes as well as spiritual rhythms of generations upon generations and the earth in … Continue reading Contraction & expansion

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What is your spiritual story? I wasn’t asked this question until I was leading an addiction recovery group about 4-5 years ago. As per the curriculum, we were specifically integrating spirituality as a topic for exploration. Our treatment center’s spiritual counselor was invited to guide the process that week, and I was honored to participate … Continue reading What is your spiritual story?

When emotional pain starts to pull us down, we tend to react in ways to rid ourselves of the feelings by suppressing, dismissing, judging or trying to think our way out of them. We try so desperately to move against the experience, to resist. In the process, we dredge up past regrets and conjure up … Continue reading Moving toward

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment to help provide stabilization to people struggling with chronic suicidal ideation and usually, childhood experiences of trauma. These experiences, among other symptoms, were later categorized into the diagnosis we now know as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Dr. Marsha Linehan’s research not only established hope for a previously … Continue reading My soapbox on DBT

Though there is nothing traditional about this year, our mind’s internal “speeding up” process is as we think through the list of to-dos that correspond with the holidays. Forging ahead into the holiday season is hardwired into the fabric of our society. There are so many longstanding rituals to include decorating, cooking, hosting, and gift-giving. … Continue reading Pump the brakes (holiday alert)

We are talking about change, yet your highest Self doesn’t appear part of the conversation. I’m inviting you to connect, but you seem far away. Your life is falling apart, can’t you see it?  I’m here to hold space for you to be vulnerable, but you are afraid. I can sense your inner torment.  I … Continue reading Addiction recovery journey: from where I sit