Title : Feasibility and effectiveness of a professional peer-led approach to DBT skills coaching
Abstract:
Although Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills have been around for some time, its main use has been by clinicians in clinical settings. There is a recent movement in the mental health field to expand capacity and service delivery to individuals who are suicidal and/or emotionally dysregulated via a peer led, recovery-oriented approach. In 2021, Cheryl and Sherry, Executive and Education Directors of the Peer Support Coalition met with Dr. Allison Ventura of UF Health Medicine to discuss the potential and likelihood of success with a peer-led approach to service delivery. A training model was developed in collaboration to deliver to non-clinical professionals working in recovery support. This model introduces DBT concepts and skills in plain language with a peer-to-peer recovery-oriented mindset. A research plan was developed to measure feasibility and effectiveness. The pilot of this program with conducted research is nearing the end of its first year in operation with remarkable quantitative and qualitative data that demonstrates affirmatively that the concepts and skills facilitated in this capacity are feasible, appropriate, beneficial, and replicable as an approach to support individuals in recovery.
The presentation includes a synopsis and overview of the origins and foundations of DBT Skills as well as a summary of the findings that support the research. The goals of this service delivery will be explained and workshop participants will get a chance to sample some of the curriculum as well as engage in some of the activities to experience an abbreviated example of the service delivery.
The 4 foundational modules and core skills of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness will be covered as presenters share researched based evidence combined their with personal experience using the skills. The presenters will demonstrate that a model, carefully facilitated that encourages sharing in safe settings allows for participant vulnerability while receiving validation and support. This approach aids in the processing of life’s difficult circumstances, including trauma, and fosters increased connection with others, better emotion regulation, greater life satisfaction, and hope for living a meaningful and productive life, regardless of diagnoses and setbacks.
