Developed by Dr. Liz Dexter-Mazza and Dr. James Mazza, the program aims to provide an "upstream" approach to mental health. By integrating these skills into the school day, educators can address common adolescent challenges: Why DBT STEPS-A/ Overview - DBT in Schools
: Focuses on identifying and naming emotions, reducing vulnerability to emotional "avalanches," and increasing positive emotional experiences. DBT Steps-A
: Teaches "crisis survival" skills to help students handle painful situations without making them worse (e.g., radical acceptance). Developed by Dr
: Provides tools for clear communication and maintaining healthy boundaries. Key strategies include: DEAR MAN : To get what you want or need. GIVE : To maintain relationships. FAST : To maintain self-respect. Why It’s Used in Schools By integrating these skills into the school day,
: The foundation of the program. It helps students build awareness of thoughts and feelings to respond with intention rather than impulse.