This second‑edition workbook translates Marsha Linehan's DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) into clear, step‑by‑step exercises for readers seeking to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and build resilience. It covers the four foundational modules—Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness—plus newer sections on cognitive rehearsal and self‑compassion. Every skill is introduced with practical worksheets and case‑based examples for real‑life use. YouTube+11New Harbinger Publications, Inc+11Blinkist+11
Mindfulness Skills (Observe, Describe, Participate): Develop awareness and cultivate the “Wise Mind”—the balance of emotion and reason. Wikipedia
Distress Tolerance: Tools for coping with crisis moments—practicing self-soothing, distraction, and radical acceptance. Includes over 100 suggestions for pleasurable distraction. Wikipedia+4Mental Health @ Home+4Amazon+4
Emotion Regulation: Learn to name feelings, reduce emotional vulnerability, practice opposite action, and increase positive emotional experiences. Mental Health @ HomeWikipedia
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improve assertiveness, maintain self-respect, build relationships, and say “no” when needed—balancing self and others. Reddit+1missourievergreen.org+1
Advanced Techniques: Includes cognitive rehearsal (practicing responses before emotional arousal) and strategies to increase self-compassion within DBT frameworks. cursosdepsicologia.com.ar+1ThriftBooks+1
Chapter Breakdown:
Ch. 1–2: Distress Tolerance (basic and advanced)
Ch. 3–5: Mindfulness (basic, advanced, and deeper practice)
Ch. 6–7: Emotion Regulation (basic and advanced)
Ch. 8–9: Interpersonal Effectiveness (basic and advanced)
Ch. 10: Integration and ongoing practice planning Amazon+6Webflow+6Blinkist+6New Harbinger Publications, Inc+3Blinkist+3Mental Health @ Home+3
Workbook Format: Regular worksheets, real-world examples, exercise templates, and reflective prompts make the material engaging and actionable. Mental Health @ HomeNew Harbinger Publications, Inc
Begin with Distress Tolerance and Mindfulness, learning the basics before advancing.
Work through worksheets actively, using thought logs and chain analyses to map emotional triggers.
Undertake emotion regulation tools, including opposite action and building positive experiences.
Practice interpersonal drills: role‑play assertiveness, boundary setting, and maintaining connection.
Use cognitive rehearsal: simulate high-risk scenarios to practice new skills proactively.
Reflect weekly: journal improvements, skill use, and challenges in daily life.
Try a self-soothing sensory exercise when feeling overwhelmed—note impact on mood.
Use “opposite action” against an urge driven by emotion—record outcome.
Role-play saying “no” or asking for what you need—observe self-respect and anxiety shifts.
Practice pausing before reacting when triggered—use cognitive rehearsal first.
Blinkist summary with key ideas and structure:
https://www.blinkist.com/en/books/the-dialectical-behavior-therapy-skills-workbook-en
New Harbinger (publisher) official overview:
https://www.newharbinger.com/9781684034581/the-dialectical-behavior-therapy-skills-workbook/
Mental Health @ Home review (clear chapter‑based review of workbook format):
https://mentalhealthathome.org/2020/03/18/book-review-dialectical-behavior-therapy-skills-workbook/
GoodReads reader reviews and book details:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/369266.The_Dialectical_Behavior_Therapy_Skills_Workbook
Reddit feedback from a BPD support group:
https://www.reddit.com/r/BPD/comments/qqo0iu/the_dbt_skills_workbook_is_saving_my_life/
This workbook bridges therapy and self-help by providing structured, research-based DBT methods for everyday challenges. It’s accessible yet comprehensive—whether you’re managing anxiety, emotional volatility, or relational conflict. For clinicians and self-learners alike, it offers tangible toolsets that transform emotional dysregulation into resilience.