Page 3 - Aftercare Orientation Manual
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Philosophy of Aftercare
The philosophy of the DBT Aftercare program builds on the philosophy and framework of the DBT programs from which aftercare members have recently graduated. When people begin DBT programming at MHS their initial goals are often focused on specific symptom management, whereas people’s goals in the aftercare program are often focused on adding things they want in their lives (i.e. building relationships, increasing self-esteem). People graduate from DBT programming and continue to aftercare when their symptoms feel managed and they are ready to build something in their lives.
In aftercare the same skills are taught as in the other DBT programs, with emphasis on what people want more of in their lives. Examples of this can be more happiness, more feelings of relaxation, or more tolerance and acceptance. Once people have identified what they would like more of, the next question to ask is: “How can I use skills to get there?”
There are certain assumptions made in the aftercare program. First is the assumption that people participating in aftercare want to be there; they have made the choice to attend aftercare. Therefore, there is a certain level of personal accountability to working toward your goals.
The second assumption is that people participating in aftercare programming have graduated from a DBT program, which means that they are familiar with all of the DBT skills. Aftercare does not teach each skill or module in sequential order. The teaching instead focuses on topics and how the skills can be applied to work toward achieving your Vision of Recovery.
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