The Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) non-clinical Skills for Interpersonal Effectiveness Training at the Peer Support Coalition of Florida, Inc. (PSCFL) was developed in collaboration with the UF Health- University of Florida. Our trainers have been taught and mentored by Dr. Allison Ventura, PhD with the UF Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Ventura is one of only a dozen trained DBT clinicians in Florida and has been working with counseling, facilitating, and leading skills groups since 2005.

Dialectical thinking involves merging opposing ideas. Rather than adhering to an either/or mindset, individuals in this program are encouraged to adopt a both/and perspective. The primary objective is to achieve equilibrium by acknowledging and accepting oneself, including challenges, while also recognizing the advantages of change. This program guides freeing the mind from fixed perspectives, decreasing emotional intensity resulting from imbalanced thoughts and disputes, and accepting our present circumstances while striving for personal development. 

This training is the first of its kind to deliver DBT concepts and skills with the lens of recovery-oriented peer to peer delivery. 

The training program is comprised of evidenced-based DBT skills used for individuals in recovery, including four modules with five sessions per module. In addition, this program separates the clinical therapy portion from the practical skills learning and practice. The goals of this training include:
• Improving focus and attention in the present moment 
• Learn how to gain control of our emotions 
• Increase our stress tolerance and learn to manage it 
• Understand how to build and maintain positive relationships 
• Improve family conflict 
• Increase self-satisfaction and happiness

The DBT Skills Coach Training Program includes 4 core skills modules: Mindfulness Training Series, Distress Tolerance Training Series, Emotion Regulation Training Series, and Interpersonal Effectiveness Training Series. Completion of all 4 modules plus a 1-day Facilitator development training plus a 1-day DBT Skills Coach Certification training will result in Certification as a DBT Skills Coach. Research data will be collected along the way from both Facilitators and individuals served. This program takes about 5 to 6 months to complete.

SCHEDULE: Thursdays 9/3, 9/10, 9/24, skip, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15

Time 5:00pm - 7pm

Please send questions to sherry@peersupportfl.org