D.B.T.  Compass



is a Peer Support lead support both local (Milwaukee, Wi) & online

Mission Statement: to help those with mental illness to use the D.B.T. & C.B.T. framework to help gain support in a constructive manner. This is by no means therapy services but to help build skills and have support.  If you are in crisis or need immediate help please call 911 or go to local Emergency Room.

What is D.B.T.: Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is designed to help people developed in the 1980's to treat Personality disorders, it is now used a wide variety of irrational thought patterns that are destructive to the person suffering including self-harm, suicidal ideations, and/or substance abuse. The goal is not to eliminate suffering but to work towards healthy behaviors and thought patterns to help with everyday life and past and present traumas and issue both cognitive and emotional. You will learn how to assess what coping skill would be most helpful to apply to avoid poor or unwanted reactions to triggers.

we also will have a general mental health focus as well to deal with other aspects of mental wellness.
The goal is to add another level of support to your life.
Given this isn't a class but support we will loosely base groups on this model but people will be allowed to join to at any time throughout.   

  Mindfulness bringing one's attention to experiences in the present moment 

Distress tolerance: withstanding painful emotions this really comes down to practice

Interpersonal Effectiveness: being objective, self-respect and relationships  leading to being more aware how behaviors and emotions affect relationships

D-E-A-R-M-A-N

Purpose: Ask directly for what you want/need or say “no.”

• Describe the situation
• Express an opinion/feeling
• Assert what you need/want or say “no”
• Reinforce the person ahead of time
• Stay Mindful of what you need/want in spite of the other person’s behavior
• Appear confident
• Negotiate

G-I-V-E

Purpose: Have a communication style that keeps relationships strong.

• Be Gentle – no attacking, threatening or judging
• Act Interested
• Add Validating statements
• Use an Easy Manner

F-A-S-T

Purpose: Have a communication style that builds Self-esteem and self-respect.

• Be Fair
• No unnecessary Apologies
• Stick to your values
• Be Truthful

  It takes practice to gain clarity.