Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Learner Success: ProgressPlan™ for Holistic Support

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

DBT Informed Intervention - Criteria for an Abacus

1. Self-Awareness & Emotion Regulation

★ Developing Awareness

• Recognises basic emotions in self.

• Begins to apply mindfulness techniques to observe thoughts without judgement.

• Learner is starting to understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions.

★★ Enhancing Emotional Understanding

• Demonstrates improved self-awareness through regular mindfulness practice.

• Uses DBT skills to manage and regulate emotional responses to stress.

• Begins to identify emotional triggers and seeks appropriate support when needed.

★★★ Advanced Regulation

• Consistently uses mindfulness and emotion regulation skills in complex situations.

• Teaches peers basic DBT techniques, enhancing the communal learning environment.

• Actively uses skills to maintain emotional balance and overcome challenges.

2. Interpersonal Effectiveness

★ Basic Communication Skills

• Learns and applies basic principles of effective communication.

• Begins to express needs and feelings in a respectful and assertive manner.

• Participates in group activities and contributes to discussions.

★★ Developing Relationship Skills

• Utilises DBT skills to strengthen relationships and resolve conflicts.

• Demonstrates ability to set boundaries and negotiate interpersonal challenges.

• Shows empathy and support towards others, building stronger connections.

★★★ Advanced Interpersonal Skills

• Masters the art of balancing self-respect with respect for others in complex interactions.

• Leads by example in using effective communication strategies during conflicts.

• Supports peers in developing their own interpersonal effectiveness skills.

3. Distress Tolerance

★ Coping with Minor Stress

• Begins to apply distress tolerance techniques to manage low-level stress.

• Learns to stay calm and composed in challenging situations using simple DBT strategies.

• Starts to practice self-soothing techniques that promote personal well-being.

★★ Managing Moderate Distress

• Effectively uses distress tolerance skills for emotional crises.

• Maintains commitment to therapy even when experiencing emotional pain.

• Demonstrates resilience by using DBT coping strategies in everyday conflicts and setbacks.

★★★ Mastery of High Distress Situations

• Skilfully manages high levels of stress without resorting to self-destructive behaviours.

• Helps others in distress by sharing effective coping mechanisms.

• Exhibits significant personal growth in tolerating and managing intense emotional situations.

4. Academic & Life Skills

★ Basic Skills Acquisition

• Shows progress in core academic subjects through tailored learning strategies.

• Begins to apply life skills such as time management and personal organisation.

• Engages in activities that promote vocational and practical life skills.

★★ Developing Competence

• Demonstrates improved academic performance by integrating learning strategies.

• Applies life skills to manage personal and educational tasks more effectively.

• Participates in skill-building activities that are directly applicable to everyday life.

★★★ Advanced Application

• Excels in applying academic knowledge to real-world problems.

• Acts as a role model in using life skills to achieve personal and academic goals.

• Leads initiatives or projects that require complex problem-solving and critical thinking skills.