What is the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Give Skill?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral therapy initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it has since been adapted to treat various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. One of the critical components of DBT is teaching individuals coping skills that can help them manage their emotions and behavior more effectively. One such skill is known as the "give" skill.

What is a give skill? 

The Give skill is a mindfulness-based skill often taught in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The skill involves

• focusing on giving to others, whether it be through acts of kindness,
• volunteering, or
• simply acknowledging the needs of others. 

The Give skill is just one example of the many coping skills that can be learned through DBT to help individuals manage their emotions and live more fulfilling lives. By focusing on giving, individuals can shift their attention away from their problems and gain perspective. The key is to focus on giving and do so without expecting anything in return.

How does one practice give skills with DBT?

To practice the Give skill in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), individuals can start by identifying opportunities to give throughout their day. This practice could involve volunteering at a local charity, offering to help a friend or family member with a task, or simply complimenting someone on their outfit or work. The key is to focus on giving and do so without expecting anything in return.

The practice of "give" is incorporated into the daily life of an individual undergoing DBT therapy. For instance, a therapist may encourage the individual to engage in a small act of kindness each day and keep track of their progress. They may also work with the individual to identify barriers preventing them from giving, such as negative self-talk or fear of rejection, and develop strategies to overcome these obstacles.

It's important to note that the Give skill is just one of many skills taught in DBT. In addition to practicing Give, individuals may also learn skills related to emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. By learning and practicing these skills, individuals can develop greater emotional resilience and improve their overall quality of life.

Effectiveness of the give skill

Research on the Give skill in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is limited, but the available studies suggest that practicing the Give skill can improve mood and overall well-being.

One study published in the Journal of Personality Disorders found that giving behaviors were positively associated with self-reported positive affect (i.e., feeling good) and negatively related to negative affect (i.e., feeling bad) in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The study also found that individuals who engaged in more giving behaviors had lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that a six-week DBT intervention focused on giving was associated with improvements in depression and social adjustment in adults with BPD. The study also found that the more individuals engaged in giving behaviors, the more significant their improvement in depression and social adjustment.

While more research is needed to understand the benefits of the Give skill in DBT fully, these studies suggest that practicing giving can improve mood and overall well-being, particularly in individuals with BPD. Additionally, the skill can be helpful for individuals who struggle with negative self-focus or have difficulty with interpersonal relationships.

Grouport offers DBT skills groups online

If you're looking for an online group therapy session to practice dialectical behavior therapy, the Grouport DBT series by Grouport Therapy is the perfect solution. Our 12-week program equips participants with new skills to replace negative behaviors and emotions that can cause daily life and relationship issues.

Our group meets once a week at a scheduled time, and you'll receive access to session links via email after enrolling and paying for the program. By joining our DBT skills group, you can improve relationships, manage anxiety, and reduce emotional suffering, regaining hope for the future.

Don't hesitate to take the first step towards a better life. Our next session is waiting for you. Join our Grouport DBT series today and start improving your mental health alongside a supportive group of individuals.

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