2 • introduction to This Book
The handouts and worksheets for this portion of General Skills cover skills training 
goals, guidelines, assumptions, and DBT’s biosocial theory. Biosocial theory is an 
explanation of why some people find it challenging to manage their emotions and 
actions. Also included in this section are handouts and worksheets for two skills for Analyzing Behavior : chain analysis and missing-links analysis. These skills are 
often taught in individual DBT, but they may also be taught at any point during 
skills training.
Mindfulness Skills
Following a brief presentation on Goals and Definitions , the handouts and work -
sheets for the Mindfulness module focus on Core Mindfulness Skills . These skills 
are central in DBT: They teach how to observe and experience reality as it is, to 
be less judgmental, and to live in the moment with effectiveness. They are the first skills taught, and they support all the other DBT skills. DBT mindfulness skills are translations of meditation practices from Eastern and Western spiritual traditions 
into specific behaviors that you can practice. No spiritual or religious convictions 
are expected or necessary for practicing and mastering these skills.
Other Perspectives on Mindfulness includes several subsets of handouts and 
worksheets. A Spiritual Perspective (including Wise Mind from a Spiritual Perspec -
tive and Practicing Loving Kindness) is a set of handouts and worksheets included for those who consider spirituality an important part of their lives. The skills covered here focus  on experiencing ultimate reality, sensing our intimate connection with the 
entire universe, and developing a sense of freedom. The Skillful Means: Balancing Doing Mind and Being Mind set focuses on balancing two seeming polarities: work -