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.

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook, 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.

Matthew McKay, PhD, is a professor at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. He is coauthor of The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook, Thoughts and Feelings, Messages, Self-Esteem, and others. His books combined have sold more than 2 million copies. He received his PhD in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. In private practice, he specializes in the cognitive behavioral treatment of anxiety, anger, and depression.

Jeffrey C. Wood, PsyD, lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area. He specializes in cognitive behavioral treatments for depression, anxiety, and trauma, as well as assertiveness and life-skills coaching. He can be reached at www.drjeffreywood.com. He is author of Getting Help.

Jeffrey Brantley, MD, is a consulting associate in the Duke Department of Psychiatry and the founder and director of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program at Duke University’s Center for Integrative Medicine. He has represented the Duke MBSR program in numerous radio, television and print interviews. He is the bestselling author of Calming Your Anxious Mind and coauthor of Five Good Minutes: 100 Morning Practices to Help You Stay Calm and Focused All Day Long.