What is interpersonal effectiveness?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) trains individuals on interpersonal effectiveness as one of the four main behavior skills modules. 

Stable, healthy relationships are helpful to those struggling with personal or mental health issues—they can serve as a key support structure during challenging periods. DBT teaches interpersonal effectiveness as a way to develop such relationships. DBT also helps identify unhealthy or toxic relationships which should be left behind.  

At its core, interpersonal effectiveness focuses on communication which serves as the foundation for relationships. Unfortunately, many people struggle to communicate effectively--even in their most intimate relationships. At times we may be too aggressive or angry. At others we may be too passively and allow ourselves to become someone else’s “doormat”. 

Interpersonal effectiveness is taught during individual counseling sessions and in DBT groups. This gives an individual an opportunity to discuss and understand their relationships with others. Also, activities like role-playing and practicing assertive communication give an individual a chance to apply these skills to real-life scenarios. 

In time, interpersonal effectiveness helps to change the trajectory of strained relationships and develop supportive, respectful interactions with those most important to you as well as people you encounter in your everyday life.