The Skills System model has been used in many different therapeutic settings. Hospitals, residential, vocational, corrections, and outpatient programs have implemented the Skills System groups. The following endorsements have been graciously provided by clinicians, academics and researchers in the field.
“If you are doing DBT-informed work with an individual with serious cognitive challenges or intellectual disabilities, this is the book for you. Brown has been a DBT trainer since 2005 and has adapted the skills for the special needs of this population.”
Marsha M. Linehan, PhD, ABPP
Professor and Director, Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics
University of Washington
Developer of DBT
“Brown provides a clear, step-by-step introduction to the emotion regulation skills curriculum that she has developed over two decades of work with individuals with learning challenges and emotional difficulties. Brown succeeds admirably where few others have even dared to set foot. Complex emotion regulation challenges are broken down into manageable problems using a series of steps that people at many different skill levels can apply. At once simple and sophisticated, this guide is a ‘must.’”
James J. Gross, PhD
Department of Psychology
Stanford University
“Buy this book and you will return to it again and again. Brown’s Skills System offers a concise, ultra-pragmatic skills training approach with comprehensive, step-by-step curriculum materials great for teaching emotion regulation to learners of all abilities. Both experienced and novice skills trainers will love this toolkit of teaching strategies!”
Kelly Koerner, PhD
Creative Director
Evidence-Based Practice Institute, Seattle
“This is an exceptionally useful curriculum for all practitioners who work with individuals who have intellectual impairments co-occurring with significant challenging behaviors. Brown’s approach to DBT skills training has been demonstrated to be very helpful for treating emotional dysregulation while accommodating this population’s complex needs. An important and insightful book.”
Robert J. Fletcher, DSW, ACSW
Founder and CEO
NADD (National Association for the Dually Diagnosed)
“Brown has masterfully integrated and adapted key DBT elements into her Skills System. With a growing evidence base, accessible language, easy graphics, and welcome repetition, her manual promises to help countless people with intellectual challenges. I have seen the very positive impact of her work professionally, and so can recommend her book enthusiastically.”
Alan E. Fruzzetti, PhD
Professor and Director, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Research Program, Department of Psychology
University of Nevada, Reno
“In this much-needed volume, Brown expertly translates basic concepts from DBT, using simple language, clear handouts, appealing visual icons, and inviting worksheets. Her curriculum helps individuals to regulate emotions, thoughts, and behaviors based on their level of emotional arousal and the situation. Brown’s use of simple terms such as Clear Picture, On-Track Thinking, On-Track Action, and New-Me Activities facilitates skills acquisition, and the week-by-week teaching guide provides skills trainers with a user-friendly structure to implement the program. Especially helpful to the reader is Brown’s discussion of multiple theoretical models that form the foundation of the Skills System.”
Jill H. Rathus, PhD
Department of Psychology
Long Island University–C. W. Post Campus
“This book is a clinically sensitive, research-informed presentation of how DBT skills training can be employed with clients with intellectual challenges. Detailed descriptions of training sessions are accompanied by user-friendly handouts and worksheets. All professionals working with this population will benefit from this thoughtful work. Kudos to Julie Brown!”
Donald Meichenbaum, PhD
Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Waterloo, Canada
Research Director, The Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention, Miami, Florida
“Anyone attempting to teach emotion regulation skills to individuals with intellectual challenges must read this user-friendly book, since many of the standard manuals miss the mark with this population. Brown’s vast clinical wisdom shines through in her developmentally appropriate teaching examples, discussion points, and handouts.”
Alec L. Miller, PsyD
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Albert Einstein College of Medicine