I am in a full fledged year long DBT program and I can say it has helped a lot with my well being. There are four major areas that it focuses on: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.

Key_Tones the ice water thing is part of the Distress Tolerance module for when emotions are really out of hand. With time the Emotion Regulation module helps so that less Distress Tolerance is needed for more long term solutions to feeling and maintaining wellness.

The Opposite to Emotion Action is part of the Emotion Regulation module and is one of the aspects that has done me really well. I tend to isolate myself when I am depressed and to ignore responsibilities and the Opposite to Emotion Action activity helps me to stay connected with friends and get my bills paid.

For me the most effective parts of DBT are the Mindfulness and Grounding teachings and the Opposite to Emotion Action activity. Mindfulness works like a magic trick for my anxiety.