DBT Skills Training Overview

A preliminary session with a therapist to assess a client's needs and suitability for skills training.

A structured approach to treating emotional and behavioral dysregulation by teaching specific skills.

A form of therapy that focuses on teaching individuals skills for managing emotions, relationships, and distress toleration.

A structured group session where participants learn and practice DBT skills.

The process of gathering information through questioning and observation.

A strong commitment to both the therapist and the process of learning and using DBT skills.

A therapist who specializes in providing individual DBT therapy.

The facilitator of a DBT skills group session.

In standard DBT, these discussions usually occur between the client and the intake coordinator and later between the client and the individual provider.

The skills trainer typically contacts and meets new clients before their first skills training session.

The skills trainer assumes the responsibilities typically held by an individual provider when skills training is offered as a stand-alone intervention or integrated into ongoing individual therapy.

Individuals must participate in DBT skills training willingly for it to be effective.

Family pressure shouldn't be the sole reason for seeking DBT or skills training. Potential clients should understand both the advantages and disadvantages.

An individual therapist may encourage a client to participate in skills training, however, this should not be a coercive practice.

Clients in standard DBT receive both individual therapy and skills training.

DBT is an effective therapy when individuals choose to participate voluntarily.

A focused period before therapy begins where potential clients are informed about treatment goals, strategies, and potential challenges.

A positive, trusting relationship between the therapist and the client that's built through open communication and understanding.

The initial stage of DBT skills group, where a therapist works to create a safe and collaborative environment.

A key step in the beginning of skills training where clients are informed that DBT can effectively help them improve their lives.

The initial step in building a therapeutic alliance, which involves expressing acceptance and understanding toward the patient.

A technique used in DBT to strengthen the therapeutic relationship, where the therapist actively engages with the client and shows interest in their life.

The process of systematically introducing DBT skills, starting with the most essential concepts.

A key aspect of DBT skills training that emphasizes the therapist's belief in the client's ability to learn and improve.

Behaviors used by skills trainers to improve the therapeutic relationship with clients, making it more than just helpful friendship.

The positive, collaborative interpersonal relationship between therapist and client is essential for effective skills training.

The therapeutic relationship is complex in skills training, especially with multiple clients in a group.

DBT strategies aim to enhance the collaborative working relationship in skills training.

A vicious circle occurs when clients lack belief in the effectiveness of skills training and resist learning, making it difficult to change their attitude.

Breaking the vicious circle involves demonstrating the value of skills training through leaders' own experience and sharing positive outcomes.

Sharing personal experiences of successfully using the skills can motivate clients to try them.

Avoid making promises that a skill will solve every problem, as this can damage credibility.

A structured approach to treating emotional and behavioral dysregulation by teaching specific skills.

The first meeting of a DBT skills group, where new members are oriented to the basics of DBT skills training.

A strong commitment to both the therapist and the process of learning and using DBT skills.

The facilitator of a DBT skills group session.

A brief review of skills already taught in DBT, provided for clients who join a module late.

The act of expressing acceptance and understanding of group members' emotions and experiences.

A strategy in DBT that focuses on accepting and embracing relationships as they are.

The ability to communicate acceptance of group members' feelings and experiences in a way that feels genuine and authentic.

A rule in skills training groups that prohibits clients from attending sessions under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It encourages individuals to learn and practice skills even when experiencing substance use, as it's often during these times that skills are most needed.

Describing or discussing dysfunctional behaviors in a skills training group, such as self-harm, substance abuse, or binge eating, is prohibited. The goal is to prevent the spread of such behaviors through imitation.

An exception to the 'no dysfunctional behavior descriptions' rule, allowing discussion of such behaviors in groups for friends and families. This is because they often share similar challenges and can learn from each other's experiences.

A rule in skills training groups that assigns current sexual partners to different groups. This prevents potential conflicts and ensures both partners can focus on their own growth.

The situation that arises when a client struggles to participate in skills training due to relationship issues. This makes it difficult for them to attend sessions physically or emotionally.

When a sexual relationship develops within a skills training group, it creates challenges for both partners. This can lead to conflicts, difficulties attending sessions, and potential disruptions to the group dynamics.

The rationale behind prohibiting the discussion of dysfunctional behaviors is to avoid undesirable imitation effects. Individuals struggling with emotional regulation may be vulnerable to such influences.

Applying rules after a situation has occurred is ineffective and can be problematic for individuals with emotional dysregulation. Therefore, establishing clear rules upfront is essential.