The Lighter Side of Transformation

with Lisa Wessan, LICSW

Oct 22

“Action is the antidote to despair.” – Joan Baez

by Lisa Wessan, LICSW

I attended my first No Kings Rally in Nashua, NH this past weekend, 10/18/25.

I went way out of my comfort zone to be there.

My concerns:
1. The noise, people screaming. Megaphones. I have high acuity hearing – “Dog Ears” – so loud sounds hurt. 2. The Covid Factor. 3. Heavy urban traffic, congestion, parking.

I’m grateful to report that this was a peaceful and not too noisy rally. Parking was easy. As of this writing, I’m Covid free. So all my fears were allayed.

I was most deeply affected listening to the WW II veterans. They drew astute parallels to the fascism of other countries and their WW II battle fatigue. They experienced so much loss and grief to fight for our freedom and democracy. And now, POOF! Our freedoms are eroding away daily.

There were also some beautiful art works created with such loving messages. These were my favorites:

I learned so much from being at the Rally. I realized that I need to step up once again and become more active with the resistance.

Before my sweet younger sister and husband got sick, I used to attend the INDIVISIBLE meetings in my town. Due to both the pandemic and my increasing caregiver burnout I chose to take a pause on my participation there.

Now that my sister and husband are resting in peace, I am 80% recovered from those chronic medical traumas. I believe I can be more useful and helpful again.

Another action tool that is part of the “Antidote for despair” is using the 5 Calls App. This is an excellent tool to be effective and also lower your blood pressure and cortisol levels quickly! I’ve shared about it before, Reduce anxiety: use the 5 Calls App

However you choose to express yourself, please remember, “There are no victims, only volunteers!” If you decide to do nothing, that is not nothing. Your tacit approval is built into doing “nothing.”

Gentle suggestion….take one tiny action per week to put forward your beliefs and reduce your anxiety. Action is the magic word!

Onward and Upward✨

Lisa Wessan

Anxiety Peace Political Transformation Social Justice

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Oct 13

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been used by Lady Gaga – watch the video here

by Lisa Wessan, LICSW

 

DBT is evidence-based; over 80% of 10,000 participants showed significant improvement after practicing these skills (Linehan, 2016). Many, including Lady Gaga, have since benefited from DBT.

Lady Gaga credits DBT for helping her manage trauma, PTSD, and self-harm urges. She uses skills like Radical Acceptance and TIPP (Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, Progressive Muscle Relaxation) to handle emotions and reduce symptoms. Her advocacy of DBT Skills training has highlighted the value of mental health care.

Hear how DBT transformed Lady Gaga’s life:

You can learn DBT skills too! This is not an exclusive training just for celebrities…

FEES: $100/week for 90-minute session,
14 weeks x $100 = $1400  – no insurance (except PPOs)
(plus one Intake Session prior to group start)

For more information, FAQ, fees, calendar, Zoom classroom and to set up a DBT inquiry phonecall (free), please visit
 Dialectical Behavioral Therapy | Lisa Wessan

DBT Overview:

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and how can this program
enhance your life? 

One Year Program Includes:

1. DBT Core Mindfulness [focusing skills]

2. Distress Tolerance [crisis survival skills]

3. Emotion Regulation [de‐escalation skills]

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness [‘people skills’]

🌀🌀This trimester starting January 6 – April 7, 2026 –  we are focusing on Mindfulness and Interpersonal Effectiveness skills.

Interpersonal Effectiveness helps you communicate better, set boundaries, validate yourself and others, confidently ask for what you need, seek support, and end unhealthy relationships. Each class covers DBT skills, practice, role play, and guided meditation.

Good health is wealth, go for it! 

Onward and Upward✨

Lisa Wessan

www.lisawessan.com

#DBT, #PTSD, #EmotionRegulation #DistressTolerance, #Wellness #Recovery #Peak, #Mindfulness Addictions

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