STAIR for Trauma and Emotion Dysregulation

Examining the Effectiveness of STAIR as an Alternative to DBT for Patients With Emotion Dysregulation and PTSD

This study will examine the impact of Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) group, using self-report measures, on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), emotional dysregulation, borderline personality disorder symptoms, global psychopathology, and access to quality mental health care. Aims include assessing the feasibility of STAIR, reducing patients' trauma and emotion dysregulation symptoms, examining whether STAIR may be used as an alternative to DBT for patients on the DBT, and improving patient satisfaction and clinic efficiency

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be 18 years or older.
• Have a DSM-5 diagnosis and/or symptoms for which DBT is an indicated treatment
• Meet DSM-5 criteria for a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Meet criteria at a subclinical level for BPD (a minimum of three symptoms)
• Must be able to make group commitments for attendance, safety, and sobriety during group

Exclusion Criteria:

• If currently receiving individual therapy that follows the DBT protocol or is an evidence-based trauma-focused therapy
• If the STAIR therapy group is determined to be clinically contraindicated