What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Series: Distress Tolerance Skills?

Distress tolerance is a crucial module within Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and the series typically lasts for 6-8 weeks. The skills taught in this module are often called "crisis survival skills" because they provide valuable tools for navigating perceived or actual crises during demanding times like residency training.

These skills are adaptive behaviors you can use to manage an immediate emotional crisis without resorting to maladaptive coping mechanisms or making the situation worse. Essentially, distress tolerance helps you accept the reality of a situation when you can't change it, allowing you to regain a sense of control even when you feel overwhelmed.