Techniques of DBT

• Mindfulness:
• Technique: Mindfulness skills involve being fully present in
the moment, observing without judgment, and describing
what is happening.
• Application in Therapy: Clients learn mindfulness through
various exercises, such as guided meditation. Therapists may
teach clients to observe their thoughts, emotions, and
physical sensations without reacting. Mindfulness skills are
woven into therapy to help clients gain greater emotional
awareness.
 Techniques of DBT
• Example:
• Imagine you're feeling overwhelmed at work due to a heavy
workload. Instead of panicking or getting stressed, you take
a moment to practice mindfulness. You sit quietly at your
desk, focus on your breath, and bring your attention to the
present moment. You notice the sensation of your breath, the
feeling of your feet on the floor, and the sound of the office
around you. This helps you ground yourself and reduce your
anxiety.
 Techniques of DBT
• Emotion Regulation:
Technique: Emotion regulation involves identifying and
understanding emotions, reducing emotional vulnerability,
and managing intense emotions.
Application in Therapy: Clients work with their therapists
to identify patterns in their emotional responses and develop
strategies to regulate emotions. Techniques may include
emotion tracking, cognitive restructuring, and distress
tolerance skills.
 Techniques of DBT
• Example:
You're in a meeting, and a coworker continually interrupts
you. Using the DEAR MAN skills, you calmly and assertively
address the issue. You say, "I'd like to finish my point before we
move on. It's important that we all get a chance to share our ideas.
I value your input, but I need to finish my thought first."
 Techniques of DBT
• Interpersonal Effectiveness:
• Technique: Interpersonal effectiveness skills help clients
navigate relationships and assert their needs while maintaining
self-respect and maintaining positive connections.
• Application in Therapy: Clients learn techniques like DEAR
MAN (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Stay Mindful,
Appear Confident, Negotiate) to communicate effectively. In
therapy, role-playing and real-life scenarios may be used to
practice these skills.
 Techniques of DBT
• Example:
You're in a meeting, and a coworker continually interrupts
you. Using the DEAR MAN skills, you calmly and assertively
address the issue. You say, "I'd like to finish my point before we
move on. It's important that we all get a chance to share our ideas.
I value your input, but I need to finish my thought first."
 Techniques of DBT
• Distress Tolerance:
• Technique: Distress tolerance skills teach clients how to cope
with crisis situations and intense emotions without making
impulsive or harmful decisions.
• Application in Therapy: Clients are taught distress tolerance
techniques like self-soothing, distraction, and radical
acceptance. In therapy, clients may discuss specific situations
where they need to apply these skills and develop strategies for
doing so.
 Techniques of DBT
• Example:
Let's say you're dealing with a personal crisis, like the end
of a significant relationship. Instead of succumbing to destructive
behaviors, you practice distress tolerance. You engage in self-
soothing activities like taking a warm bath, listening to calming
music, and reaching out to a supportive friend. You also remind
yourself that the pain is temporary and that you can get through it.