The “What” skills are all about observing, describing, and participating in the present moment. It’s like being a curious scientist, examining your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. For example, you might notice, “I’m feeling a tightness in my chest” without immediately jumping to conclusions about what it means. Picture yourself as a surfer, riding the waves of your emotions. Mindfulness is your surfboard – it keeps you balanced and aware as you navigate the ups and downs. In DBT, mindfulness is divided into “What” skills and “How” skills.

dialectical behavioral therapy skills

Distress tolerance

DBT provides tools Alcoholics Anonymous to handle stress and avoid harmful actions like self-harm. In addition, patients typically have access to therapists between sessions for skills coaching if they are in a crisis. DBT incorporates many of the techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps patients recognize and challenge the varieties of distorted thinking that underlie negative feelings and prompt unproductive behavior.

Speech and Behavioral Therapy: Integrating Approaches for Comprehensive Treatment

DBT builds upon the concepts of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps you develop concrete skills that you can use to cope dialectical behavioral therapy when life feels overwhelming. Dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT) is a very intensive program composed of individual psychotherapy, group sessions, phone coaching, skill training, and a consultation team of therapists.

Consultation Team for Therapists

At DBT Academy, we believe DBT skills are universally valuable—not just for clinical populations, but for anyone seeking greater emotional balance, stronger relationships, and a more fulfilling life. These practical, evidence-based tools help people increase happiness and joy, build interpersonal confidence, and navigate life’s inevitable challenges with resilience and grace. Learning DBT skills isn’t just about reading or going to therapy. The more you use these skills, the more automatic they become. Try to set aside time each day to practice mindfulness, manage emotions, or work on distress tolerance. Working one-on-one with a trained DBT therapist is one of the most effective ways to learn DBT strategies.

dialectical behavioral therapy skills

DBT skills training in groups

Therapist-teachers help patients understand and accept that thought is an inherently messy process. In one study of DBT, the feelings of hopelessness or thinking of suicide decreased in people who received DBT therapy and training. The DBT treatment benefits also extended to more long-term symptoms of obsessive compulsion, anxiety, hostility, phobia, and psychosis.

Interpersonal effectiveness

Give us a call today to verify your insurance coverage or to learn more about paying for addiction treatment. A DBT skills cheat sheet is a quick guide that summarizes the core DBT skills. It’s a helpful tool to keep with you, especially during stressful moments. https://hotel.camboapartment.com/family-allergy-asthma-sinus-care-do-you-sneeze/ When you feel overwhelmed, you can glance at your cheat sheet to remind yourself of the skills you’ve learned.