Q&A
Helping Clients Develop DBT Skills

Groundbreaking psychologist Marsha Linehan, the creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, shares her insights into working with clients to foster the four DBT skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and emotion regulation.
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Can you comment on striking an effective balance between acceptance and change when working with clients?
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How do I deal with 'excessive venting' when trying to teach DBT skills?
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Should every individual in a DBT skills group have a similar presentation i.e., same diagnosis?
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What is your opinion on 'DBT-Informed' treatment i.e., giving DBT skills handouts to supplement a different intervention approach?
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What is your opinion on doing skills training during individual sessions? Or should it really be done in a group context?
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Does a DBT skills-based training group function like a support group?
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Have DBT skills been used with indigenous populations?
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I'm interested in DBT skills for ADHD. I get how mindfulness will help with inattention but what helps with the hyperactivity?
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Aren't some problems NOT the result of skill deficits?
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In general, which skills module would you prioritise? Which of the acceptance-oriented and/or change-oriented skills get the fastest and longest lasting results?
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What does the research show about the use of DBT skills training as a stand-alone intervention separate from standard DBT?
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Is DBT skills training effective at reducing anger?
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Can I do DBT skills training with clients whilst they are actively using substances and/or alcohol?
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Is DBT skills training okay for clients who don't want to talk about past and childhood experiences?
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