#59 Microdose on DBT's G.I.V.E. Skill: How to Build and Maintain Healthy Relationships in College

03/07/25 • 16 min

In this week's microdose episode, we sit down to discuss the G.I.V.E. skill from DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), which helps individuals build and maintain positive relationships. Whether you are navigating a conflict with your roommate, trying to make new friends, or wanting to build a better relationship with your parents, the G.I.V.E. skill can help increase the likelihood that others will view you positively after your interactions with them. The skill involves four key components:

being Gentle

acting Interested

being Validating

using an Easy Manner

Stay tuned for our next microdose episode on learning how to maintain your self-respect in relationships.

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: [email protected]
Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

being Gentle

acting Interested

being Validating

using an Easy Manner

Stay tuned for our next microdose episode on learning how to maintain your self-respect in relationships.

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: [email protected]
Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

Previous Episode

undefined - #58 From High School to College: A Guide to Navigating Shifts in the Parent-Child Relationship with Drs. Annalise Caron and Suzanne Allen

#58 From High School to College: A Guide to Navigating Shifts in the Parent-Child Relationship with Drs. Annalise Caron and Suzanne Allen

Saying goodbye to your parents is often the last thing most college students are thinking about when they tackle their “to do” list before moving in on campus. In an earlier episode, we sat down with college students who shared their experiences with relationship shifts at home. In this week’s episode, we sit down with not one, but two expert psychologists to explore the challenges and growth opportunities that arise for the parent-child relationship when young adults head off to college. They provide valuable insights for both parents and students on how to maintain strong, supportive relationships during this transitional phase. In this episode we will touch on:

Communication challenges between college students and parents
The importance of discussing expectations early
Navigating the balance between autonomy and dependency
Tips for students and parents to communicate better, using strategies like DEAR MAN
How to build support networks for parents during the college transition

Resources:

Drs. Annalise Caron and Suzanne Allen’s group private practice in Westport, CT

https://cbtwestport.com/

The Parenting Pair Website:

https://www.theparentingpair.com/

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: [email protected]
Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

Next Episode

#60 Microdose on DBT's F.A.S.T. Skill: Keeping Your Self-Respect in Relationships

In today’s episode, we’re following up on our previous microdose episode on the G.I.V.E. skill and diving into its counterpart, the F.A.S.T. skill. The F.A.S.T. skill is designed to help you build strong relationships while maintaining healthy boundaries. It's a balancing act: You don’t want to burn yourself out by giving too much to others without considering your own needs.

Here are the key letters of F.A.S.T.:

F = Fairness: Be fair to yourself and others. Your perspective matters just as much as theirs. Make sure both parties are listening and valuing each other's needs.
A = No Apologies: Avoid over-apologizing or under-apologizing. Respect yourself enough to not apologize for setting boundaries or asking for what you need.
S = Stick to Your Values: Whether it’s kindness, achievement, or another core value, stick to your guns and ensure your values guide your actions, even when faced with anxiety or pressure.
T = Truthful: Be truthful without exaggerating or making up excuses. A gentle "no" is much more authentic than a white lie. Setting boundaries truthfully helps preserve your self-respect.

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: [email protected]
Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

College Is Fine, Everything's Fine - #59 Microdose on DBT's G.I.V.E. Skill: How to Build and Maintain Healthy Relationships in College

Transcript

I'm Dr. Sarah Olivo and I'm Dr. Liz Seidler and you're listening to College is Fine. Everything's fine.

Okay, listeners, we are here with another micro dose episode on a follow up to an interpersonal skill that we have already taught you, dear man, which is about getting what you want in terms of your needs met in relationships. And now we're going to talk about it. A very important skill that you can use with a lot of different relationships in college.

Which is called the GIVE s