Introduction to the Skills System-7 minutes

The Skills System is a DBT-informed, accessible set of emotion regulation skills that is used by people of all ages and abilities. Check out this introductory video @Skillssystem that explains what the Skills System is, how the Skills System is used in various programs and family environments, and how to learn, teach, and implement the Skills System.

Video Transcript:
Hi, I’m Julie Brown, the author of the Skills System. I have worked in the mental health and disabilities field for over 30 years and have extensive experience treating individuals who have mental health and learning challenges. I am a dialectical behavior therapy or- DBT trainer… and specialize in helping teams support individuals who have complex needs. In this video I’m going to try to answer some important questions, starting with…
What is the Skills System?
The Skills System is a user-friendly, accessible DBT-Informed set of skills and skills coaching strategies that are designed to help individuals manage emotions. In addition, Skills System resources are used by support providers who coach individuals to use skills in their lives. The Skills System tools help us work together to manage the ups and downs of life- together- so we can move ahead to our goals.
Who is the Skills System for?
The Skills System is used in many different settings with people of different ages and abilities. Children, adolescents, adults, and seniors enjoy learning skills. Skills are adjustable and accessible for people with or without mental health and learning challenges. For example, people with strong academic abilities and also those with intellectual disabilities- can learn skills using the wide variety of resources. The Skills System is often an important treatment model for people with complex needs, who have not thrived in traditional social, educational, or clinical settings.
Where is the Skills System used?
The Skills System skills and skills coaching strategies are designed to help people in diverse settings.
• For example, the Skills System is used in therapeutic settings such as inpatient hospital programs and community mental health centers.
• The Skills System is used in residential settings, such as residential homes, supported-living arrangements, and foster care.
• The Skills System is used in day supports, such as day programs, community-based services, vocational programs, and schools.
• The Skills System is used by natural supports, like with family members and friends.
People with complex needs often interact with multiple settings. Having supports integrated can help improve generalization of skills and facilitate transitions between services.
Why is the Skills System important?
Many people with bio/psych/social challenges, experience difficulty managing feelings, thoughts, and actions. Stressful life events and personal vulnerabilities can prevent emotion regulation skills development. A lack of skills can create skills gaps that make managing emotions and reaching goals more difficult. People in these circumstances may need more support and have a harder time receiving help.
Without address skills gaps, individuals often experience re-occurring patterns of unsafe behaviors that require de-escalation and emergency services. Over-reliance on reactive interventions reduces the quality of life of the individuals and everyone within the support system. The Skills System provides proactive- prevention strategies that address build core competencies- it just makes sense.
The good news is- The Skills System is designed to fill skills gaps for all involved! It gives us a common language and toolbox. Skills help individuals manage emotions. Skills and Skills coaching strategies help support providers to (1) manage their emotions and (2) function as skills coaches for the individuals they work or live with.
When we are able to use skills and work together managing feelings, we are co-regulating- rather than co-dysregulating. Co-dysregulation escalating emotions, power struggles, and lose-lose situations.
Personally, I think the Skills System is a deal changer. I have seen skills help people connect with themselves and others- in ways that unlock the potential of the people and relationships. There is no way I could have treated the complex cases I had over decades without the Skills System. The Skills System allowed me to welcome complexity- because I had strategies and training resources designed to address the core issues.
Let’s look at an example:
• Integration within Therapeutic Supports: (see video- I had to cut a few sections due to Youtube description space)
• Integration within Residential Supports: (see video)
• Integration within Day Supports: (see video)
• Integration within Natural Supports: (see video)
To learn more about the E-Learning, 2-Day Instructor’s training, and implementation- explore the Skills System website. Download the free Skills System App to see many of the visual aids.