Introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training

DBT has been around for many years. It is a structured program based on an educational framework designed to provide skills for managing intense emotions and negotiating social relationships. DBT is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). DBT was developed in the 1970s by psychologist Marsha Linehan.  In a sentence, DBT is a mindfulness and acceptance-based, cognitive-behavioral intervention. DBT skills are helpful with and/or without simultaneous one-on-one clinical therapy.

DBT was the first effective therapy for borderline personality disorder (BPD). Several studies have since demonstrated that DBT is effective not only for BPD but also for a range of other disorders and problems such as:

• Other personality disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Eating disorders
• Behavioral health disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance use, etc.

Why do we feel that stand-alone DBT skills training is effective?

DBT skills training is rapidly emerging as a stand-alone treatment. Studies suggest that skills training alone is a promising intervention for a wide array of populations. In DBT, mental health conditions are addressed as disorders of emotion dysregulation. DBT focuses on emotions and how they drive ineffective behavior patterns. Therefore, the skills are aimed at teaching individuals how to recognize, understand, label, and regulate their emotions. The overall goal of DBT is to help individuals change behavioral, emotional, thinking, and interpersonal patterns associated with problems in living.

DBT specifically focuses on providing therapeutic skills in four key areas:

• Mindfulness helps individuals accept and be present in the current moment by noting the fleeting nature of emotions, which diminishes the power of emotions to direct their actions.
• Distress tolerance helps individuals develop the ability to tolerate negative emotion without needing to escape from it or acting in ways that make difficult situations worse.
• Emotion regulation helps individuals develop strategies to manage and change intense emotions that are causing problems in their lives.
• Interpersonal effectiveness helps individuals develop skills to communicate with others assertively, while maintaining self-respect and strengthening relationships.

24 Week Open Adult DBT Skill Coaching Group

Our groups are organized as DBT skills pods. Each pod is designed to build an engaging, supportive learning experience and cheer each other on to achieving their goals. Live sessions are held weekly for 1.5 hours over Zoom. Self-paced learning is accomplished through additional skills practice, reading material, videos, etc.