Foundations
Start here if you first want to understand how DBT is built, or do not yet know which module fits. The foundations prepare you for all four.
45 Foundations
Understand DBT
DBT - Overview
If you need the overall picture of DBT before you go into individual skills or modules.
Dialectic
When acceptance and change must not be thought of against each other, but together.
Biosocial theory
When it needs to be clear why high vulnerability and invalidation fuel each other.
Emotion Regulation (Framework)
If you first have to understand how emotions change and where you can intervene.
Emotional Dysregulation
When you first have to classify the core problem behind intense or difficult-to-control emotions.
Invalidating environment
When it has to be seen how devaluation and not being seen exacerbate emotional problems.
Teach skills and organise training
Behavioral Targets in Skills Training
When behavioral targets in skills training have to be prioritized and practically guided with a concrete protocol.
Commitment Strategies
How DBT Builds Commitments – Pros & Cons, Devil's Advocate, Freedom to Choose
Contingency Management
When behavior should not only be understood, but also specifically shaped through consequences.
Contingency Management Procedures
When contingency management needs to be applied directly in training or a treatment setting using a concrete protocol.
DBT Skills Training Program Design
If you want to understand how DBT skills training is structured as a whole.
DBT Skills Training Session Structure
If you want to see how a skills session is specifically structured and held together.
DBT Skills Training Targets and Procedures
When goals, procedures and typical flow logic of skills training need to be made clear.
DBT Strategies in Skills Training
If you want to understand the logic according to which skills are taught and maintained in training.
Dialectical Strategies
Paradox, Metaphor, Devil's Advocate – Concrete Dialectical Techniques
General Skills: Orientation and Behavior Analysis
If you need orientation first before you break down the behavior or suitable skills in more detail.
Irreverence
Therapeutic Directness and Humor as a Tool – the Irreverent Communication Style
Linehan Manual Structure
If you want to read the manual as a blueprint for the overall model and its modules.
Radical Genuineness
Meeting the Client as a Capable Person – Without Patronizing
Skills Training Procedures
When the methodological standards of skills training need to be translated into a concrete, directly usable protocol.
Skills Training Target Hierarchy
When it needs to be clarified which problems have priority in DBT.
Standard Skills Training Session Format
When a concrete standard protocol is needed to structure skills sessions clearly and consistently.
Stylistic Strategies
Reciprocal and Irreverent Communication – DBT's Two Communication Styles
Validation Strategies
6 Levels of Validation – from Attention to Radical Genuineness
Analyse and practise
Chain Analysis
If you want to understand a problematic pattern step by step backwards.
Chain Analysis of Problem Behavior Worksheet
When a problematic episode should be reconstructed step by step with a clear chain analysis worksheet.
Daily Practices for Emotional Health
If you want to embed skills as a daily nursing practice rather than just a crisis response.
DBT Diary
If progress, triggers and skill usage should be made visible over time.
Exposure-Based Cognitive Rehearsal
When effective reactions must be practiced in advance so that they are available in the real moment.
Missing Links Analysis Worksheet
When missing intermediate steps and skill gaps should be made visible with a clear worksheet.
Missing-Links Analysis
If it is not clear which effective step has been missing in a difficult situation.
Pros and Cons of Using Skills Worksheet
When you want to not only understand Options for Solving Any Problem but concretely weigh the decision for effective skill use.
Continue with a guiding question
How Do I Change an Unwanted Emotion?
When there is a feeling and you need to clarify the next effective change step.
How Intensely Should I Ask or Say No?
When you need to clarify not only what you want to say, but also how clearly you should say it.
Is This Assertiveness Scripts or DEAR MAN?
If it is unclear whether you need a complete bundle or a specific discussion template.
Is This Self-Soothing or Improving the Moment?
When it's unclear whether you need to calm down or make the whole moment more bearable.
Is This Turning the Mind or Willingness?
If it is unclear whether you still have to turn back to acceptance or go on standby.
Is This Validation or Mutual Validation?
When it is unclear whether a perspective needs to be validated first or whether it needs to be made negotiable on both sides.
Is This Validation or Radical Acceptance?
When it is unclear whether an experience needs to be validated or a fact needs to be accepted.
Options for Solving Any Problem
If the right basic direction is sought first and not the individual skill.
What Belongs to This Bundle?
If you first want to understand how a bundle is structured and which parts belong together.
What Helps Now Versus Long Term?
If you have to differentiate between immediate aid and longer-term development.
What Is the Difference Between These Skills?
When several skills sound similar but do not have the same task.
What Needs Acceptance Instead of Fight?
When fighting against facts creates more suffering and reality work becomes necessary.
Which Skill Helps Me First?
If you don't want to search first, but rather find the right first skill room.