I was introduced to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as an intern at a residential treatment facility in Baltimore, MD. I conducted research on the topic and read every journal article published between 2007 and 2012 regarding DBT with adolescents and recovery in mental health. After my publication, and a short stint as a Research Director, I left the field all together because of low-pay, burnout, and felt I could do more elsewhere. 

 

I continued bartending and started working at a consulting firm full time. At 30 years-old It was the first time I had a job with health insurance, a generous yearly bonus, a 401K match, and paid vacation days. To be quite honest, I felt like I didn’t belong, I wasn’t happy, and the work wasn’t fulfilling to me. While bartending one night a guest mentioned that they were looking for a school counselor for their middle school. She shared that they were implementing DBT STEPS- A as their school wide social emotional learning (SEL) program. This is why I always say, even when I tried to run away from it, “The DBT life chose me.” She asked me for my resume, I sent it not thinking that they would respond. I went to the interview, received my offer letter, and returned back to the mental health field.