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“In its first two editions, this groundbreaking manual transformed the field of mental health treatment—the core mindfulness skills alone are a remarkable gift to our world. Now, the revised edition further increases the manual's clarity and ease of use, with everything right where you need it, explained in simple, accessible terms. The updated skills reflect changes in how we live now, including the use of technology and language. Together, the revised editions of DBT Skills Training Manual and DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets are finely honed to teach clients the DBT skills they need.”

—Cedar R. Koons, MSW, LCSW, author of The Mindfulness Solution for Intense Emotions


“You don’t have to be a DBT practitioner to benefit from this book. Cognitive behavior therapists, for example, using individualized treatment plans based on their cognitive conceptualization of the client, should integrate DBT skills when applicable (along with skills from any evidence-based treatment). If you are a practicing mental health professional or student of any psychotherapeutic modality, you should read this book. It will make you a more effective clinician.”

—Judith S. Beck, PhD, President, Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy


“The revised edition retains the essence of Linehan's classic skills training manual, with selective updates assisted by a team of leading DBT clinicians. It modernizes Linehan's approach to be most relatable to new therapists currently entering the field. This is an essential guide for instructors and DBT trainees and an encyclopedic toolkit for practicing clinicians. It incorporates all the collective lessons learned throughout Linehan's rich career into the comprehensive system of DBT skills training.”

—Lois W. Choi-Kain, MD, MEd, Director, Gunderson Personality Disorders Institute, McLean Hospital; Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School


“The DBT skills that transformed mental health care are now easier to access than ever. With updated terminology and a streamlined organization, the revised manual and client resource make it simpler to deliver powerful, evidence-based support to those seeking relief from suffering. Clinicians and clients alike will appreciate these timely volumes.”

—Katherine L. Dixon-Gordon, PhD, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst

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Table of Contents

Preface

Preface to the Second Edition

How to Use This Book

I. An Introduction to DBT Skills Training

1. Rationale for Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training

2. Planning to Conduct DBT Skills Training

3. Structuring Skills Training Sessions

4. Skills Training Treatment Targets and Procedures

5. Application of Fundamental DBT Strategies in Behavioral Skills Training

Part I Appendices

II. Teaching Notes for DBT Skills Modules

6. General Skills: Orientation and Analyzing Behavior

7. Mindfulness Skills

8. Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills

9. Emotion Regulation Skills

10. Distress Tolerance Skills

Index

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About the Author

Marsha M. Linehan, PhD, ABPP, the developer of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), is Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Director Emeritus of the Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics at the University of Washington. Before retiring in 2019, she devoted her career to developing and evaluating evidence-based treatments for populations with high suicide risk and multiple, severe mental disorders. Dr. Linehan is the 2025 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Her contributions to suicide research and clinical psychology research have also been recognized with the University of Louisville Grawemeyer Award for Psychology, the Career/Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, the Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in the Application of Psychology from the American Psychological Foundation, and the James McKeen Cattell Award from the Association for Psychological Science. In her honor, the American Association of Suicidology created the Marsha Linehan Award for Outstanding Research in the Treatment of Suicidal Behavior. Dr. Linehan was featured in TIME Great Scientists: The Geniuses and Visionaries Who Transformed Our World. She is founder of the Linehan Institute and is a Zen master.

• Author's website
• All titles by Marsha M. Linehan

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Audience

Clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors, and psychiatric nurses.

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Course Use

May serve as a supplemental text in graduate-level courses.

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Previous editions published by Guilford:

Second Edition, © 2015
ISBN: 9781462516995

First Edition, © 1993
ISBN: 9780898620344