Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between DBT practitioners’ skill use and consultation team on burnout and stress levels. The study was exploratory in nature and used a mixed methods convenience sample that surveyed DBT practitioners through an international list serve. Burnout and stress were measured along with skill use, perspectives on consultation team, and demographic information. The sample included 135 survey responses and participants varied in demographic information. Results found that there was a negative correlation between burnout and skill use and that in general practitioners use the skills on a frequent basis and find the skills helpful in reducing stress. On a whole, the sample of respondents had very low burnout scores with only 3.7% of those surveyed falling above the burnout threshold. Respondents had mixed views around consultation team but in general found it helpful in alleviating stress around their DBT cases. Since the study was exploratory in nature, future research should aim at duplication of the study as well as looking at mindfulness practice in mental health practitioners not involved in DBT and its influence on stress and burnout.