The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook by Matthew McKay Summary

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook teaches four core DBT skills—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—to manage overwhelming emotions. It combines practical exercises with step-by-step guidance to help readers build resilience, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve relationships. Structured for gradual skill development, it emphasizes mindfulness and radical acceptance as foundational tools for emotional stability.

This workbook benefits individuals struggling with intense emotions, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, or depression. It’s also valuable for therapists seeking structured exercises for clients. The clear, actionable strategies make it accessible for self-guided use or as a supplement to clinical therapy.

Yes, it’s a top-rated resource for learning DBT skills independently or in therapy. The workbook’s exercises, real-life examples, and focus on incremental progress provide concrete tools for emotional regulation. Over 2.5 million copies sold and consistent updates (e.g., 2021’s large-print edition) reflect its enduring relevance.

Matthew McKay, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, professor at the Wright Institute, and co-founder of Haight Ashbury Psychological Services. He has authored 40+ books, including bestsellers like The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook. His work combines evidence-based therapies with accessible self-help strategies.

Radical acceptance means fully acknowledging reality without judgment or resistance, even in painful situations. The workbook teaches this skill to reduce emotional suffering and foster clearer decision-making. Exercises guide readers to practice acceptance as a pathway to resilience.

Mindfulness here involves nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment—observing thoughts, feelings, and sensations without criticism. It’s framed as the “foundation of DBT,” essential for accessing a balanced “wise mind” and improving emotional responses.

• Distress tolerance: Coping with crises without worsening the situation (e.g., self-soothing techniques).
• Emotion regulation: Identifying, understanding, and modulating emotional reactions long-term.

The workbook separates these skills but shows how they interconnect for holistic emotional management.

• “Radical acceptance means tolerating something without judging it or trying to change it”: Stresses the power of nonresistance to reduce suffering.
• “You can’t change the past... focus on the present”: Encourages letting go of unchangeable history to empower current growth.

Some note the workbook requires consistent practice to see results, which may challenge those with severe symptoms. Others highlight its dense exercises, though the 2021 edition improved readability with larger text and clearer formatting.

Unlike theory-heavy manuals, this workbook prioritizes actionable exercises over abstract concepts. It’s often paired with therapy but designed for independent use—a key difference from clinical textbooks. Recent editions also address accessibility needs.

Yes, the interpersonal effectiveness module teaches assertive communication, boundary-setting, and conflict resolution. Techniques like “DEAR MAN” (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce) provide scripts for navigating difficult conversations.

Skills like opposite action (acting against destructive emotional urges) and self-soothing (calming through sensory focus) apply to daily stressors, relationships, and workplace challenges. The book includes 100+ distraction ideas and crisis survival strategies.