Author name: Dr. Jennifer Abbott

Dr. Jennifer Abbott is a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience helping people overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, and addiction. As the founder of the Center for Effective Treatment in Boulder, Colorado, she provides evidence-based therapy integrating EMDR, DBT, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Dr. Abbott holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology and a master's degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology. She is a member of the American Psychological Association and a PSYPACT provider, offering telehealth services in most states. Dr. Abbott is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care that empowers clients to heal and live fulfilling lives.

girl with hot drink in a mug overlooking a fireplace and christmas tree practicing self-care during the holidays
Constructive Psychotherapy, EMDR & Trauma, Mindfulness

Dealing with Family During the Holidays: How to Manage Toxic Family and Trauma Triggers 

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The holidays are often depicted as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. Images of cozy fires, festive decorations, and happy families sharing meals fill our screens and social media feeds. But for many people, the reality of the holidays can be far from this idyllic picture. If you’re struggling with past trauma, the holidays can be a particularly challenging time, filled with potential holiday triggers that can evoke difficult emotions, memories, and even flashbacks. 

hand pushing away alcohol
Harm Reduction & Abstinence Based Psychotherapy, Psychological Evaluations, Substance Use Evaluations

Harm Reduction vs. Abstinence: Finding the Right Path to Recovery

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When it comes to treating substance use and addiction, there is no single approach that fits everyone. Recovery is a deeply personal journey, shaped by an individual’s history, values, and goals. Two of the most widely discussed approaches in modern therapy are harm reduction and abstinence-based treatment. Understanding the differences between harm reduction vs abstinence—and how to choose the right one—can make a profound difference in achieving lasting recovery.

talking with therapist about political stress
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Psychological Evaluations

The Definitive Guide to Political Stress and Mental Health

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In today’s world, it’s hard to ignore the constant news cycle. For many, the current political landscape isn’t just a topic of debate—it’s a significant source of anxiety, stress, and even depression. This guide will explore the psychological effects of political stress and provide strategies to help you manage the emotional toll.

learning disorder treatment
Learning Disability Evaluations, Learning Disorders, Neuropsychological Evaluations

The Different Types of Learning Disorders and Treatments

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Learning differences are lifelong. For some, they become obvious in early school years when a child struggles with reading, math, or writing. For others, they aren’t recognized until adulthood, when challenges with workplace tasks, organization, or time management persist. Either way, the impact of the different types of learning disorders can extend far beyond the classroom.

person talking with a therapist
Constructive Psychotherapy, DBT Therapy, LGBTQ+ Therapy

Challenging Gender Norms, Non-Binary Identities, and DBT Therapy

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For many people who identify outside the binary of male or female, life comes with unique challenges. Non-binary identities often face misunderstanding, invalidation, or outright discrimination in social settings, healthcare, family systems, and workplaces. These experiences can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, or emotional pain that can feel isolating and overwhelming. At The Center for Effective Treatment, we believe that care should affirm who you are at every level. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers concrete skills to help non-binary individuals manage distress, regulate emotions, and build a life that feels authentic while also challenging gender norms that often perpetuate harm.

man in therapy for anxiety avoidance talking with hands
DBT Therapy, EMDR & Trauma, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Psychological Evaluations

The Anxiety Avoidance Cycle: Why Traditional Methods Fail and How Our Approach Can Help You Break Free 

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Anxiety can be overwhelming, often leading us to make choices that provide immediate relief but unintentionally keep us stuck. In fact, in order to avoid anxiety, many people fall into the anxiety avoidance cycle–a pattern where they steer clear of situations, people, or experiences that trigger distress. While avoidance may bring temporary relief, it reinforces anxiety in the long run, making life feel smaller and more restricted. 

dbt group therapy activities in a therapy office
Constructive Psychotherapy, DBT Therapy

Examples of DBT Group Therapy Activities and the Benefits of Each

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One of the most helpful aspects of DBT is group therapy. It offers a space to learn and practice skills alongside others who are working on similar things. These groups can be both structured and supportive, helping participants feel less isolated while building tools they can actually use in daily life. While individual DBT sessions focus on applying the therapy to a person’s unique challenges, group sessions are more like a class—complete with practice, discussion, and sometimes a little humor. The activities used in these groups aren’t random. They’re built around DBT’s four core modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Below, we’ll look at a few common DBT group therapy activities, what they involve, and why they matter.

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