Comfort Zones
Actually, there are three zones: Panic Zone, Learning Zone, and Comfort Zone. The goal of DBT is to grow your Comfort Zone. We can't live in the Comfort Zone all the time, but we also can't live in the Panic Zone all the time.
There can be some anxiety in the Learning Zone because you are stretching and growing, which comes with some discomfort. Hopefully how we grow and learn makes our Comfort Zone larger and a better, more secure place to be. The trick is to stay out of the Panic Zone. That's where all of the DBT skills come in. The more you learn and practice these skills, the less time you should spend in the Panic Zone, ideally. There are times of true crisis when you may find yourself in the Panic Zone. Don't stay there! Get away from any real danger, and then implement your skills.
There can be some anxiety in the Learning Zone because you are stretching and growing, which comes with some discomfort. Hopefully how we grow and learn makes our Comfort Zone larger and a better, more secure place to be. The trick is to stay out of the Panic Zone. That's where all of the DBT skills come in. The more you learn and practice these skills, the less time you should spend in the Panic Zone, ideally. There are times of true crisis when you may find yourself in the Panic Zone. Don't stay there! Get away from any real danger, and then implement your skills.