Innovative Programs for Successful Living

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Psychosocial Skills Training Program

 “Psychosocial skills training is necessary when solutions to an individual’s problems and attainment of that individual’s desired goals require behavioral skills not currently in that individual’s behavioral repertoire” (Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy).

Marsha Linehan’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), is the theoretical foundation for SPCSB skills training program. DBT is one of the most widely accepted forms of treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPT) because of its proven effectiveness in several significant clinical studies (Linehan et al., 1991; Linehan & Heard, 1993, Linehan, Tutek, & Heard, 1992). It is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was developed specifically as a comprehensive treatment for chronically suicidal and parasuicidal (self-harming) individuals who meet the criteria for BPD. These individuals react abnormally to emotional stimulation. Their level of arousal goes up much more quickly, peaks at a higher level, and takes more time to return to baseline. As a result, these individuals are known for crisis-strewn lives and extreme emotional lability.  SPCSB’s DBT psychosocial skills training program strictly follows the format of Linehan’s Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder.

DBT’s orientation to treatment places more emphasis on the role of emotions, rather than cognitions, in producing and sustaining emotional pain. In so doing, it has also proven effective for individuals dealing with a mixture of mood, anxiety and characterological issues by supporting them to change their severe impulsive or out of control behavior patterns.  Approximately 50% of the people who receive this therapy get better because they learn to respond to life situations more adaptively through the use of skills on emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness.

SPCSB presently offers two formats within its DBT psychosocial skills training program. DBT skills are integrated within the Self-harm Recovery Group, an offering of our day treatment program, for clients dealing with chronic suicidal and para-suicidal issues. SPCSB also offers a two-hour DBT psychosocial skills training group, which meets in the evening to accommodate clients who need these skills to support an effective integration into active and productive independent living. A third format will be offered starting in the Fall, 2005. This much needed DBT based group will focus on giving supportive psychosocial skills training to individuals coping with the mixed symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Your personal information will be kept confidential to Sanctuary Psychiatric Centers of Santa Barbara and will not be shared with any other agency or body. PLEASE NOTE: Submitting information over the Internet poses additional confidentiality issues. This site does not encrypt information. Any information that you send is considered "insecure" and could be intercepted. Sanctuary Psychiatric Centers of Santa Barbara will not be held responsible for information that is sent to or from this site.