Basics
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
What Are The 3 Mindfulness "What" Skills
Observe, Describe, Participate
Where must teens and families learn and practice new behaviors?
In all different situations in their lives (home, school, work, neighborhood, etc)
What must you do if you know you will be arriving late to group?
Tell the group leader! (Text, Call, Email)
A teen says, “You never listen to me!” The parent wants to defend themselves, but the teen is clearly upset. What skill can the parent use to help the teen feel heard before responding?
Validation — reflect the teen’s feelings (e.g., “It sounds like you’re feeling ignored.”)
What Does "Dialectical" Mean
Two things that seem opposite can both be true
What is the MAIN skill that helps calm your body quickly in a crisis?
TIPP
Be more motivated to change
True or False: It is okay to come to group under the influence of drugs or alcohol
FALSE! Please don't do this!!!
A teen is grounded and wants to sneak out to go to a party. They’re weighing the urge to leave vs. the consequences. What DBT skill should they use to make a skillful choice?
Pros and Cons — list the short- and long-term consequences of leaving vs. staying.
When a person is biologically more sensitive and is put in an invalidating environment it can lead to long term dysregulation. What is this theory called?
Biosocial Theory
Give A Validating Statement
Varies Answers
Fill in the blank: “You may not have caused all your problems, but...”
You have to solve them anyway
How many Excused Absences is each person allowed?
3 per person (Let me know 48 hours in advance if you'd like to use one of your absences, otherwise it may not be excused!)
A parent finds out their teen lied to them about where they were. They feel furious and betrayed. The situation can’t be changed right now. What skill helps the parent let go of fighting reality in that moment?
Radical Acceptance — accept what happened without approving of it to reduce suffering.
DBT aims to replace ______ behaviors with ________ behaviors
Problem behaviors with Skillful Behaviors
Describe The Three States of Mind
Reasonable Mind - "cool" ruled by thinking facts and logic.
Emotional Mind - "hot" ruled by feelings and urges
Wise Mind - includes both reason and emotions
Fill in the blank "There is no _______ _______"
Absolute Truth
If you're a teen in comprehensive DBT, what should you also be participating in?
Individual Therapy
A teen made a healthy choice and came home on time for the first time in a while. What skill can the parent use to encourage that behavior to happen again?
Reinforcement — positively acknowledge or reward the behavior (e.g., verbal praise, small privilege)
Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Walking the Middle Path
Name and give examples of 2 Types of Distractions from the skill "ACCEPTS"
Activities, Contributing, Comparisons, Emotions, Push Away, Thoughts, Sensations
In DBT, we assume everyone wants to improve. Why is that helpful?
It helps reduce judgment and builds trust
True Or False: You may not form private relationships with another group member while in skills training.
True!
A teen feels really nervous and self-conscious about speaking up in group. Instead of holding back, what skill would help them fully join in and focus completely on the experience, letting go of worries about what others might think?
Participate — throw yourself fully into the activity without overthinking or judging yourself.