dbt and ro-dbt skill sets

 

The basic skill modules for  DBT--Standard & RO--are the same, with one exception. How they differ is in the the subject focus and direction within each module of study. There are 6 modules of study available in comprehensive DBT. Here we outline each module, and the focus for the skill sets in each module, dependent on standard vs. RO therapy.

 

MINDFULNESS

DBT: the focus is on learning to incorporate all styles of thinking,  to be in the moment, & to be effective and participate in your life. You get skills in figuring out how to focus on the things that matter, and what to do to make that happen.

RO-DBT: here, the above skills are taught, and there is an extended focus on reducing rigidity and the fear of vulnerability. 

INTERPERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS

 

DBT: skills center around expressing yourself and being heard in a manner that builds relationships, gets your goals met, and increases your self-respect.

RO-DBT: the additional goals of this module deal with continuing to work on reducing fear of vulnerability, and lessening social withdrawal.

 

 

EMOTION REGULATION

DBT: the hallmarks of biosocial theory are visited here with skills on choosing emotions before they choose you, controlling the intensity of emotions, and experiencing 'normalcy' in the face of emotional dysregulation.

RO-DBT: the biosocial theory aspects of coping ineffectively are targeted with skills on unmasking inner feelings, and lessening social comparisons.

 

DISTRESS TOLERANCE

(sub-module of REALITY ACCEPTANCE is included)

 

DBT: primary skill sets work on being able to tolerate distress without making things worse or creating more distress through the use of long-term ineffective coping mechanisms, sustaining chosen emotions regardless of circumstances and working on accepting and moving from things unwanted or not liked.

RO-DBT: since people in RO are extremely practiced at supressing emotions and emotional responses the skills required are decreasing rigidity in need for structure, and lessening neglect of self-care.

 

RADICAL OPENNESS

 

This module is the core of RO-DBT. It's key focus is on: increasing fluidity in thinking, developing forgiveness without necessarily forgetting, gaining freedom from being ‘stuck’, increasing freedom to try new things, developing ability to tolerate & incorporate feedback, gaining skills in empathy, validation, forgiveness, and decreasing distrust in others.

 

WALKING THE MIDDLE PATH

 

This module is a series of 3 separate subject matters that are the basis for the approach in all of the modules.

Behaviorism: the subject matter covers shaping your behavior and of others around you through your responses and actions.

Dialectics: this is a lesson in balancing acceptance and change, and identifying the myriads of dialectics that are often the focal point of the tension and struggles in life.

Validation: This invaluable skill set for managing relationships focuses on de-escalating situations and being heard without necessarily agreeing with the invalid.