As I dive into my 7th year teaching DBT online, there are certain topics that continue to come up. I often get asked if there are any DBT tutors or similar to help with accountability, understanding skills, etc. There is! It's called DBT skills coaching.
DBT skills coaching is
Individual time with a trained therapist
A place to ask specific and often personal questions
Space to create a personalized plan for future situations in which using DBT skills will be vital (ex: that pesky family reunion!)
A place to review skills used including diary cards
A way to get some tips and examples in using skills
DBT skills coaching is NOT
For those in a crisis regarding their mental health
Urgent "I need an answer now" space
Useful if you haven't tried a skill already
A way to begin learning DBT, skills coaching is for those who have an understanding of specific DBT skills
What DBT skills coaching looks like with me
You see my face, although you are welcome to do audio only or ask me to turn my video off.
Friendly and focused check-in about how using skills went since we last spoke
Collaborative conversation about how best to use this time, skill help, planning ahead, etc.