Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) was originally designed to help those struggling with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but these days, it’s also used to treat other conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. DBT skills teaches four main subjects: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills can be beneficial to anyone learning them—but they have proven especially valuable to teachers dealing with the stresses of their jobs and the unique challenges of working with kids and teens every day.
Why Emotional Regulation is Important
Teachers are often under a lot of pressure and emotional regulation is important to help them stay focused on their job. Asperger’s syndrome, anxiety and depression can all interfere with teaching, so these skills are necessary for teachers to be able to stay in the profession.
Mindfulness in the Classroom
Mindfulness is a practice that has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve focus and attention. Here are a few ways you can bring mindfulness practices into your classroom:
-Start the day with a mindful routine to set the tone for your class: breathe in, breathe out, repeat. -Practice simple stretches or physical exercises with your students throughout the day. These activities can help alleviate muscle tension and release pent up energy.
Self-Control in the Classroom
Teachers need to be able to control their emotions in the classroom in order to best serve their students. It is important for teachers not only to be aware of their emotions, but also how they affect the learning environment. Through skills like Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), teachers can learn self-control techniques that will help them stay calm and collected no matter what type of day they are having.
Distress Tolerance in the Classroom
Distress Tolerance skills are geared towards being able to tolerate and manage difficult emotions. This can help teachers better regulate their own emotional responses in order to be more effective with students. The ability to manage difficult emotions and not allow them to take over can be a skill that all teachers should learn, but it is especially important for teachers who work with students who struggle with their own intense emotions. These skills can help teachers better handle situations where they may feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or simply out of control.
Effective Communication Skills for Educators Section
It is important for educators to be able to communicate with their students and parents effectively. This can be difficult, but it is necessary in order to maintain healthy relationships with the people who are involved in their teaching. One way that educators can learn effective communication skills is through Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). DBT was originally developed as a treatment for people with borderline personality disorder, but it has also been found to help those who want to improve their emotional regulation.
