Celebrate the season finale with a focus on loving-kindness and compassion. Diana and Madeline discuss the importance of cultivating love and compassion in our daily lives and how these practices can transform our relationships and well-being.

In this episode we clarify the difference between being nice and being kind. They discuss the importance of setting boundaries and practicing self-care to maintain your well-being.

In this episode we unpack the core assumptions of DBT. Discover how these beliefs—assuming good intentions, doing your best while striving for improvement, tackling problems you didn’t create, and acknowledging universal suffering—can enhance your approach to life.

In this episode we bring humor and insight to dialectics and equanimity. Discover tips for ditching extremes and finding a balanced, colorful approach to life.

In this episode we discuss the DBT skill of Effectiveness and its relation to the three flames of greed, hatred, and delusion in Buddhism. Learn how to see clearly and respond wisely in various situations.

In this episode we dive into the art of noticing what’s pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral—and why that matters. This isn’t just about mindfulness; it’s about learning how to create space between yourself and your reactions.

In this episode of Suffering Optional, we dive into the “Stop” skill from DBT to address cravings and reactive behavior. When an urge arises, like wanting to snap at a family member or reach for a cigarette, using “Stop” helps us pause, breathe, and observe what’s happening internally.

In this episode Diana and Madeline explore the “middle path” through DBT and Buddhist philosophy, centering on the concept of Wise Mind—a balanced state that honors both emotion and logic.

In this episode of Suffering Optional, Diana and Maddie dive into the importance of mindfulness as a practice. Diana uses an analogy about learning to swim to highlight the challenges of starting out, while Maddie shares barracuda story from DBT for Life: Skills to transform the way you live to discuss common misconceptions.

In this first episode of Suffering Optional, Diana introduces the basics of DBT and how it helps manage emotions, while Madeline connects it to Buddhist psychology. They discuss “Buddha nature”—our innate ability to free ourselves from suffering—laying the foundation for blending DBT skills with Buddhist wisdom.