Which modality emphasizes skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness?

• A. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• B. Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• C. Psychoanalytic therapy
• D. Humanistic therapy

Answer: (B)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy emphasizes skills that help people manage intense emotions and navigate relationships. It blends acceptance with change and trains four key areas: mindfulness to stay present and observe experiences without being overwhelmed; distress tolerance to endure crises without resorting to harmful or impulsive actions; emotion regulation to recognize, understand, and modulate emotional responses; and interpersonal effectiveness to assert needs and maintain healthy connections. This structured, skills-based approach—often delivered through individual therapy plus a skills training group (with coaching when needed and a therapist consultation team)—is distinctive. Other therapies focus more on changing thoughts (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), exploring unconscious processes (Psychoanalytic therapy), or fostering growth without specific, taught skill sets (Humanistic therapy).