Many individuals encounter discomforting situations throughout their lives, ranging from mundane inconveniences such as being stuck in traffic or discovering a depleted coffee supply when craving a morning brew, to more profound sources of distress such as the dissolution of a relationship, the loss of a loved one, sudden unemployment, or exposure to traumatic events.

Among these individuals, those with maladaptive under-controlled coping mechanisms often exhibit heightened sensitivity to such challenges. Indeed, they may experience an overwhelming internal anguish seemingly disconnected from external circumstances.In the absence of learned strategies for effectively managing distress, individuals with maladaptive under-controlled coping tendencies may resort to detrimental behaviours such as self-harm or impulsive actions in pursuit of immediate relief. However, these coping mechanisms invariably exacerbate their suffering over time, rather than offering sustainable solutions.

Dialectical behaviour therapy—or DBT—is a form of therapy created specifically for individuals with maladaptive under controlled coping. DBT Skills are taught in four modules, including distress tolerance. This workshop explores a DBT informed approach that offers mental health professionals and support workers with a set of resources to support individuals in crisis to reduce impulsive and maladaptive under-controlled responses to stress and overwhelm when in crisis.

This workshop provides participants with:

• clinical resources for stabilisation including the ACDC skills (see below)
• an overview of how to adapt DBT's chain analysis when an individual is in crisis
• demonstration of putting on the breaks in therapy
• an overview of ANS stabilisation
• strategies for stability inside and outside of therapy
• exploration of common therapy interfering behaviours that destroy therapy
• development of a crisis management plan that meets Australian Health Care Standards of Care