DBT class in core mindfulness and the middle path skills

There are four DBT skills modules which are based on the updated 'DBT skills training manual' by Dr Marsha Linehan.

Mindfulness and the middle path is a core DBT module, and it consists of six weekly sessions. It is designed to teach you how to increase your awareness levels, focus better, train your attention, decrease reactivity and judgmental-ness, be more accepting of current moment experiences, and less driven by extremes.

It will be followed by the following modules;

• Distress tolerance module lasts for eight weeks and is centred on accepting difficult situations and emotions and finding ways to survive and tolerate the moment without making distressing situations worse or engaging in problematic behaviours such as self-harm, substance misuse, lashing out, and others.
• Emotion regulation entails twelve weekly classes and involves learning to recognise and label current emotions, identify obstacles to changing emotions, reduce emotional reactivity and vulnerability to intense emotions, increase positive emotions, and change emotions that are unhelpful or unwarranted.
• Interpersonal effectiveness is spread over eight weeks and teaches effective strategies for asking for what you need, saying no, setting boundaries and coping with interpersonal conflict. This module is of particular relevance to individuals who experience their relationships as chaotic, intense and unstable, and it teaches strategies for maintaining balanced relationships.

How will I learn?

New skills are presented each week and homework is assigned for participants to practise during the week. Homework is reviewed in the next class. People who commit to the full DBT programme (both individual therapy and skills groups) will have access to phone skills coaching which can be accessed at times of heightened distress seven days a week. This helps to generalise the newly acquired knowledge and accelerate the effective use of skills. The goal of DBT classes is for people to gain new skills, get better at the skills they have and be able to use the skills when they are really needed, such as during times of intense emotion, crisis or conflict.

Who should join the programme?

DBT skills can be of help to people who experience problems with regulating emotions, impulsivity, extreme emotional sensitivity, mood swings, anger, recurrent depression, anxiety, intense or chaotic relationships, impulsivity, and stress.

What is the cost?

The fee for the two-hour DBT class is £85 per weekly session. 50% of the module fee is to be sent to reserve one's place, and the remaining part of the fee is due a week before the official start date. It is only possible to commit to the full module, and the fees are payable for each of the sessions. This includes sessions that are not attended, missed, or cancelled.

When is this event?

These modules are run all year round, with the classes divided into four modules as described above.