DBT Skills Classes

DBT skills classes consist of four modules taught over the course of 24 weeks. Classes are comprised of teens and their parents learning skills alongside one another. The curriculum covers Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness and Walking the Middle Path.

Core Mindfulness: This involves learning how to be fully present in the moment and non-judgmentally aware of one's thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. Mindfulness helps individuals observe their inner experience without becoming overwhelmed or reactive. These skills are woven into each module.

Distress Tolerance: This skillset teaches individuals how to tolerate and cope with distressing emotions, thoughts, and situations without engaging in harmful behaviors. Distress tolerance skills can include distraction techniques, self-soothing activities, problem-solving and acceptance strategies.

Emotion Regulation: This skillset teaches individuals how to identify and label their emotions, understand the function of their emotions, and learn strategies to manage intense emotions. Emotion regulation also focuses on increasing positive emotional experiences and reducing emotional vulnerability.

Interpersonal Effectiveness: This involves learning how to communicate assertively, set boundaries, and negotiate conflict effectively. Interpersonal effectiveness skills also teach individuals how to build and maintain healthy relationships, including how to navigate social situations.

Middle Path: This skillset teaches families to better understand one another, communicate acceptance and ultimately be more able to work on changing behavior. The Middle Path focuses on increasing flexibility, compassion and connection.