This book provides clinicians (particularly those specialising in DBT) with music activities and creative ideas to implement with existing practices, to strengthen what clients are being taught in DBT skills groups. These new ideas can be used with clients individually, in groups, or be given as homework.

The first part of the book consists of group activities for therapists and group leaders to use. In part two each DBT skill is presented with its own activity, written in with clear step by step instructions. The skills gained will be particularly beneficial for individuals who have difficulty regulating or dealing with their emotions and this guide improves clinicians' confidence and skill in aiding these individuals innumerably.

As a psychologist and life-long musician I've always wanted to better synthesize these two passions to help my patients. Spiegel, Makary, and Bonavitacola, show me (and now you) many effective and practical ways to creatively weave music into DBT! You do not need to be a musician or a psychologist to find these therapeutic activities immediately applicable to your patients, students, and colleagues who are practicing DBT. -- Alec L. Miller, PsyD, Co-Founder and Clinical Director, CBC , White Plains, NY and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
A refreshing and stimulating read, providing need-to-know information and unique insight when utilizing music and art-focused DBT techniques. As an experienced music therapist and educator, Deborah Spiegel has opened a "DBT door" to readers and laid a foundation ensuring informed and individualized treatment in the therapy field and beyond. -- Katherine E. Borst, MT-BC, Board Certified Music Therapist
Spiegel, Makary and Bonavitacola have compiled an impressive collection of music related activities designed to "teach, strengthen and anchor" DBT and other life skills. The book shows how to use music and music appreciation in the DBT skills curriculum. The authors provide creativity and inspiration from the field of music therapy. Well done! -- Cedar Koons, DBT consultant, researcher, DBT-LBC certified therapist and author of 'The Mindfulness Solution to Extreme Emotions: Take Control of BPD with DBT'
In my work with adolescents, music really engages them, and when kids are engaged, that's half the battle for teaching them skills. Especially at a program like mine where group participation is expected as part of treatment. -- Libby Arsenault, Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Group Leader, Mental Health Counselor at an inpatient DBT program, and non-musician

Deborah Spiegel MT-BC is a Board- Certified Music Therapist who has been in the field since 1976, providing music therapy for people of all ages. She served as Music Therapist and DBT skills group leader on a DBT Team starting in 2001, and now runs and offers a variety of DBT related classes and supports through the Spiegel Academy.

Suzanne Makary, MT-BC is a Board- Certified Music Therapist who has spent her career serving adults with mental health challenges. As a DBT-Informed music therapist, Suzanne has created a curriculum for the Innovations Partial Hospital Program at St. Luke's University Health Network focused on teaching DBT skills daily.

Lauren Bonavitacola PsyD, is a psychologist and board certified music therapist working for Cognitive & Behavioral Consultants of Westchester and Manhattan, an outpatient CBT- and DBT-based treatment, training, and consultation center.