Skills Generalization – Additional DBT Tool

Skills Generalization

Definition

Skills Generalization refers to the practice of applying DBT skills learned in therapy sessions to a wide range of real-life situations, contexts, and environments. It is about moving from knowing skills intellectually to living them consistently.

Purpose

Used to:

  • Make DBT skills effective outside of therapy.
  • Build confidence in managing emotions in daily life.
  • Strengthen adaptive coping across different settings.
  • Promote long-term behavior change and resilience.

When to Use

Use Skills Generalization when:

  • You want to maintain progress between sessions.
  • You notice yourself reverting to old patterns in stressful situations.
  • You encounter new challenges that require skillful responses.
  • You feel confident in practice but struggle in real-world application.

When Not to Use

Avoid focusing exclusively on generalization if:

  • You have not yet learned foundational DBT skills.
  • You feel too emotionally dysregulated to practice without support.
  • You are in a crisis where immediate stabilization is the priority.

How-To

1. Identify Skills to Generalize

  • Choose specific skills you have practiced (e.g., Wise Mind, Opposite Action).

2. Pinpoint Target Situations

  • Make a list of real-life contexts where you want to apply them.

  • “I will practice DEAR MAN with my supervisor this week.”

3. Create Reminders

  • Use cue cards, phone alerts, or visual reminders to prompt skill use.

4. Rehearse in Imagery

  • Visualize yourself using the skill successfully.

5. Practice in Real Time

  • Apply the skill in the moment, even if imperfectly.

6. Reflect and Troubleshoot

  • After practicing, review what worked and what you can improve.

Tips & Variations

  • Keep a Skills Generalization Log to track attempts and outcomes.
  • Role-play difficult situations with a therapist or trusted person.
  • Reward yourself for practicing skills, even if the result isn’t perfect.

Example

Scenario: Jo has learned Radical Acceptance in therapy but struggles to apply it at work.

Generalization Plan:

  1. Identify: Radical Acceptance

  2. Target: Receiving negative feedback from supervisor

  3. Reminder: Sticky note on desk

  4. Rehearsal: Visualization each morning

  5. Practice: Use acceptance statements during feedback

  6. Reflect: Journal about the experience

Inventor / Origin

Skills Generalization is a core principle in DBT, emphasized by Marsha Linehan, who designed DBT to help clients bridge the gap between therapy and daily life. It is built into all aspects of DBT’s treatment structure.

Related Skills

  • Mindfulness
  • Behavior Chain Analysis
  • Coping Ahead
  • Self-Monitoring
  • Problem Solving

Limitations

May not be effective if:

  • You lack motivation to practice between sessions.
  • You do not have support to reinforce learning.
  • You attempt to generalize too many skills at once.

Evidence Base

Research shows:

  • Skills generalization is a critical factor in DBT treatment success.
  • Clients who consistently practice skills in daily life have better outcomes.
  • Generalization predicts long-term improvements in emotion regulation.

Further Reading

  • Linehan, M.M. (2015). DBT Skills Training Manual.
  • Behavioral Skills Generalization strategies in cognitive-behavioral therapy.
  • DBT Skills Application Guides and workbooks.

References

  • Linehan, M.M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. Guilford Press.
  • Swenson, C.R. (2016). DBT Principles in Action: Acceptance, Change, and Dialectics.

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