Regulating Emotion the DBT Way: A Therapist's Guide to Opposite Action

by Christine Dunkley

Regulating Emotion the DBT Way is a practical guide to the DBT skill of ‘Opposite Action’, which helps clients develop the skill of up- or down-regulating their emotions when necessary. It is the skill that fosters emotional literacy in clients who have learned to fear or avoid painful feelings.



Part A of the text introduces emotion theory, describes how to validate emotions, and explains how Linehan’s ‘Opposite Action’ skill is used to regulate problematic responses. There are examples and analogies that can be shared with clients, and clinical examples to demonstrate the key points. There is a description of how DBT therapists contextualise emotion using chain analysis. Part B dedicates a chapter to each of the basic emotions and describes its signature features. A session scenario is included allowing the reader to see how the therapist coaches the skill of opposite action, elicits behavioural rehearsal, and gives corrective feedback. There are some tips on handling common issues specific to that emotion, based on the author’s extensive experience.



This book will be of interest to any therapist who wants to learn more about a behavioural approach to emotion such as psychologists, nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, counsellors, cognitive therapists, prison staff, and occupational therapists. It is an accessible explanation of emotion regulation for people who have already undertaken DBT training.

Genres: Psychology, Mental Health

185 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2020

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as much of a primer in DBT as I probably need (and it doesn't claim to be), but a very compelling study of how emotional dysregulation can be identified and tackled in a therapeutic setting.

My training in person-centred counselling makes some of this a bit challenging, and some of the dropped star relates to how intense displays of directivity in a therapy setting make me uncomfortable. But I do also think a couple of points feel rushed towards the end which is unfortunate.

Minor criticisms, though - I think what's notable about this book is that despite its focus on a specific aspect of DBT, I was still able to follow along and appreciate the theory as an outsider. It certainly made me enthusiastic about exploring DBT further, and finding ways to integrate it with my PCT background.

[Lucy Darby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has changed my personal and professional life - it's taught me that we are not 'slaves' to our emotions, that they have evolved to be helpful to us and deserve recognition and acknowledgment, but ultimately we are in control of how much of the emotion is needed in each instant and how to act to regulate the emotion to the appropriate level. I love the simple way that Christine shows us how doing such (seemingly obvious now!) simple physical behaviours can put us back in the driving seat and have an immediate effect on how strongly that emotion presents, allowing us to take the most sensible course of action. As a speech and language therapist I have already started thinking about how these strategies will be useful in so many of my cases - especially making sure I pay extra care to validate the emotions of others before I make any suggestions. Christine's examples and anecdotes make the strategies easy to remember and accessible to everyone, not just those in the psychology sector. I can't wait to find out more about DBT!

[Safooraa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Regulating Emotion the DBT Way for both professional development and personal interest and it met my expectations. The book offers practical, applicable tools grounded in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, with a clear and thorough explanation of the Opposite Action skill backed by relatable examples that bring the concepts to life.

I especially appreciated the insight into why emotions are physiologically useful, which added helpful depth to the practical strategies. The writing is accessible and engaging, making it a solid resource not just for therapists, but for anyone interested in understanding and shifting emotional responses. I will frequently refer back to this book.

Highly recommend to DBT practitioners or therapists looking to expand their toolbox with focused, actionable techniques.