If you are looking for books and resources related to Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), then the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook by Matthew McKay PhD is an excellent resource. It provides a comprehensive overview of DBT skills as well as practical exercises designed to help those with BPD manage their symptoms and lead more fulfilling lives. This review will give an in-depth look at this book, its chapters & sections, popular highlights or quotes, the rating it has received on Amazon and other notable book review sites, and my personal thoughts on how effective I found it.

Summary of the Workbook

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook is filled with easy-to-follow exercises that teach individuals how to cope with difficult emotions and take control of their lives. It covers a wide range of DBT skills, from mindfulness and distress tolerance to interpersonal effectiveness and emotional regulation. The workbook also provides readers with step-by-step instructions for building self-respect, nurturing relationships, becoming emotionally resilient, setting goals and overcoming inner obstacles.

Available Chapters & Sections

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook contains eight sections in total: Introduction; Overview of DBT; Distress Tolerance; Emotion Regulation; Interpersonal Effectiveness; Mindfulness; Values Clarification; and Taking Action. Each chapter dives into the various areas of DBT in greater detail while providing practical exercises that can be applied to real life situations.

Examples of Exercises Included in Workbook

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook includes exercises that aim to help readers understand, accept and cope with difficult emotions more effectively. For instance, the book includes an exercise on distress tolerance that helps readers identify their triggers and practice distraction techniques when experiencing intense emotions. It also provides an emotion regulation exercise that involves creating a list of skills that can be used when feeling overwhelmed. Other exercises include journaling to process thoughts and feelings, self-soothing techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization techniques to break free from unhelpful patterns of behavior.

One of the most popular exercises featured in this workbook is “Opposite Action” which requires readers to take action against their emotions by doing the opposite of what they are feeling. For example, if an individual is feeling anxious they may try grounding themselves in the present moment through mindful activities like yoga or meditation. If they are feeling angry they may engage in calming activities such as taking a walk or reading a book. This technique encourages individuals to move through difficult emotional states without acting out in destructive ways or avoiding them altogether.

Another popular exercise featured in this workbook is “Taming the Mind” which helps readers take control over their inner dialogue by identifying unhelpful thought patterns and replacing them with healthier ones. This exercise involves writing down negative thoughts, examining them critically and then changing them into more positive thoughts based on one’s personal values. Additionally, the book includes an interpersonal effectiveness exercise which focuses on helping individuals achieve their goals while maintaining respect for themselves and others around them. This exercise guides readers through expressing needs clearly, negotiating assertively and communicating more effectively with others in order to build healthier relationships.

Overall, The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook provides many practical tools that can be used to manage symptoms related to BPD as well as lead more fulfilling lives. Its comprehensive approach to DBT makes it an invaluable resource for those looking for books related to Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Popular Highlights or Quotes

One of the most popular highlights from The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook is this quote: “Don’t take anything personally. Even when emotions feel overpowering, you can choose to not let them control your behavior.” This quote reflects the workbook’s focus on empowering individuals to take control of their lives and recognize that they have choices in how they respond to difficult situations.

Ratings on Amazon and Other Notable Book Review Sites

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook has received an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. It is also highly rated by reviewers on Goodreads (4 stars), Barnes & Nobles (4.5 stars), and Library Thing (4.3 stars).

One reviewer on Amazon commented, “The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook is an excellent guide for anyone dealing with BPD. It’s easy to follow and understand, providing helpful exercises and ideas for developing DBT skills. The workbook is well-organized and thorough, covering everything from mindfulness to distress tolerance. It also includes realistic examples that make the concepts easy to understand and apply.” 

Another reviewer on Goodreads wrote, “This book has been an invaluable resource in my journey with BPD. It provides clear explanations of DBT concepts as well as practical exercises that can be used in everyday life. The book is well-structured, allowing readers to go at their own pace and focus on the skills that are most relevant for them. I highly recommend it!”

On Barnes & Nobles, one user commented, “The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook has been extremely helpful in managing my difficult emotions. It offers simple yet effective exercises for learning how to identify triggers and regulate emotions more effectively. It’s well-written and organized in a way that makes it easy to follow along with each step of the process. I would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for books related to BPD!”

Lastly, Library Thing featured a review that said, “I found this workbook truly insightful into BPD treatment methods using DBT principles. It covers a wide range of topics such as emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and distress tolerance while providing practical exercises designed to help those with BPD manage their symptoms better. This book was very informative but also compassionate – it really made me feel like I had someone who understood what I was going through.”

Sarah’s Personal Thoughts on the Effectiveness of the Workbook for BPD

“I found The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook to be a valuable resource for individuals with BPD or for those who wish to learn more about DBT. The books’ chapters are detailed, providing in-depth explanations of each skill set along with practical exercises that can be applied to real life situations. It is also helpful for those looking for books about BPD as it provides a comprehensive overview of DBT skills and their application in everyday life. In my opinion, this book is an excellent source of information and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for books related to borderline personality disorder.”
—Sarah Rose, creator of BPD Beautiful

Conclusion

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook by Matthew McKay PhD is an excellent resource for books related to BPD. It provides a comprehensive overview of DBT skills as well as practical exercises designed to help those with BPD manage their symptoms and lead more fulfilling lives. The book has received positive reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Nobles, and Library Thing and I personally found it to be a valuable source of information. If you are looking for books about Borderline Personality Disorder or resources related to DBT, then this workbook is definitely worth considering.

BPD Resources

BPD in Fiction: Sadie’s Favorite by Sarah Rose is a Novel + Original Soundtrack that touches on BPD recovery and abusive “favorite person” (FP) relationships.

Recovery Merch: Help support BPD Beautiful’s mission by visiting our Official Store. Features DBT inspired shirts, pillows, mugs and more.

Peer Support: Get support from someone with lived experience of BPD and remission by booking a call.

Manage your BPD symptoms with a printable workbook.

See our recommended list of books about BPD.

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