Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook: Practical DBT Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, & Distress Tolerance (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) (Paperback)

~ Matthew McKay (Author), Jeffrey C. Wood (Author), Jeffrey Brantley (Author)
Key Phrases: basic mindfulness skills, new coping strategies, emotion log, The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook, Advanced Distress Tolerance Skills, Basic Emotion Regulation Skills (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A Clear and Effective Approach to Learning DBT Skills

First developed for treating borderline personality disorder, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has proven effective as treatment for a range of other mental health problems, especially for those characterized by overwhelming emotions. Research shows that DBT can improve your ability to handle distress without losing control and acting destructively. In order to make use of these techniques, you need to build skills in four key areas--distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

This book, a collaborative effort from three esteemed authors, offers straightforward, step-by-step exercises for learning these concepts and putting them to work for real and lasting change. Start by working on the introductory exercises and, after making progress, move on to the advanced-skills chapters. Whether you are a professional or a general reader, whether you use this book to support work done in therapy or as the basis for self-help, you'll benefit from this clear and practical guide to better managing your emotions.

The individual struggling with overwhelming emotions and DBT therapists will benefit significantly from this workbook. McKay, Wood and Brantley have expanded and translated DBT Skills, making Linehan's iconic work on emotional skill building even more accessible and easy to apply to everyday life.
--Kate Northcott, MA, MFT, is a DBT therapist in private practice with Mindfulness Therapy Associates and is director of New Perspectives Center for Counseling, a non-profit counseling center, in San Francisco, CA

From the Publisher

By a distinguished team of authors, this workbook offers readers unprecedented access to the core skills of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), formerly available only through complicated professional books and a small handful of topical workbooks. These straightforward, step-by-step exercises will bring DBT core skills to thousands who need it.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications; 1 Workbook edition (July 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572245131
• ISBN-13: 978-1572245136
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #691 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing resource., February 13, 2008

By	A.W. "Dilettante" (PA, USA) - See all my reviews

I've read a lot of self-help, pop-psych books targeted at dealing with strong emotions. Most of them seemed true & helpful at the time I was reading them, but fell apart when I tried applying them to life. This book is not only easy to use while you are using it, but it is easy to recall later in the day, or the week, or even a few months later, and easy to use the techniques. I even find myself suggesting techniques to friends who share emotionally-distressing situations with me. Later, my friends report that it was some of the best advice they've gotten.

I also have Don't Let Your Emotions Run Your Life: How Dialectical Behavior Therapy Can Put You in Control (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook), which seems to be the same general idea, but didn't seem to be as helpful for me. I just wish that therapists trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy were more widespread and easier to find. Highly recommended book for anyone who is working on dealing with overwhelming emotions.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Provides sensible and realistic ways to help yourself, August 3, 2007

By	Carla Blair (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I picked up the DBT workbook to learn how to help a good friend who suffers from bi-polar disorder. It improved our interactions with each other, and in working through the exercises I discovered practical ways to thwart depression and manage my own emotions. This book's for anyone who suffers from depression, anger, anxiety or just wants to have a little more control over their emotions.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EASIER TO USE THAN MARSHA LINEHAN'S TRAINING MANUAL, September 4, 2007

By	Gail K. Kroll - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an easy review of the concepts presented by DBT founder Marsha Linehan. I am reviewing it with my psychologist and he is helping me to understand her phenominal new ways of living and being at peace with the daily distressors in life. Great workbook to have to heal yourself of mental and regular day to day stressors.