ABSTRACT
Behavioral science informs the development of skills and change-based strategies that exist within dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) while at the same time normalizing and validating the clients’ high-risk behaviors to promote more effective and adaptive coping behaviors. The standard outpatient comprehensive DBT program consists of four modes of treatment: individual psychotherapy, group skills training, telephone coaching and consultation and consultation meetings for therapists. Within the DBT skills training component, skills trainers lead clients through behavioral practices meant to demonstrate the six core mindfulness skills (Observe, Describe, Participate, Non-Judgmentally, One-Mindfully, and Effectively) and elicit new behaviors from clients in the skills group. The cultivation of “Wise Mind” through acceptance-based strategies such as mindfulness allows for not only the active integration of Reasonable Mind and Emotion Mind but also the active integration with other skills to allow clients to pursue a life worth living.
