DBT Peer Connections Workbook For Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training

In 1993, Dr. Marsha Linehan introduced the world to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) a comprehensive psychotherapy for treating chronically suicidal persons, particularly those with borderline personality disorder (BPD). With additional research, DBT proved to also be an effective treatment for substance abuse, eating disorders, and others. With continuously growing research, DBT is now considered to be an effective transdiagnostic treatment. This DBT skills training program focuses on treating emotion dysregulation, which refers to any of a number of problematic behaviors associated with regulating emotions and may apply to a diverse population of persons who may or may not be formally diagnosed with mental disorders.

In this comprehensive DBT skills training workbook, students learn to define, apply, and discuss 4 sets of life enhancement skills including core mindfulness skills, distress tolerance skills, emotion regulation skills, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. as described in the clinical manuals by Dr. Marsha M. Linehan: Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT Skills Training Manual Second Edition, and DBT Skills Training Handouts And Worksheets Second Edition.

Skills Training Schedule

1. Core Mindfulness Skills 4 weeks

2. Distress Tolerance 1 weeks

3. Emotion Regulation Skills 5 weeks

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills 2 weeks

Total: 12 weeks

© 2015 Rachel Gill MSP $15.00 US

“Some may think that having the label of borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mark of shame. However, I can honestly say that receiving the diagnosis was one of the best things that ever happened to me because it ultimately led me to dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). In fact, after 10 years of futile attempts to find the correct diagnosis and treatment, I was so appreciative of the label, I did something that often puzzles those whom I tell my story; I sent the social worker who correctly diagnosed me a bouquet of flowers and a thank you card.

In the end, my BPD label is the key that unlocked the door to DBT and my path to recovery. I may have borderline personality disorder, but borderline personality disorder does not have me, and above all, I am not ashamed. In fact, I am proud of the progress I have made on my difficult journey to emotional wellness. Therefore, I want people to know my story so the world can see we with BPD are not monsters who need to be controlled, avoided, or caged psychiatric jails. We are people who are capable of achieving great things. However, in our communities, we need acceptance without judgment, compassion, and access to evidence based treatments like DBT that work.”

Rachel Gill DBT Peer Connections ilovedbt@gmail.com