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Dialectical Behavioural Therapy is a treatment method with roots in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Zen Buddhist philosophy. Here we tell you more about what DBT is and who it can help.
What is dialectical behavioural therapy?
Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It was originally developed to help people experiencing emotional instability and self-harm.
DBT combines principles from CBT with elements of Zen Buddhism and Eastern philosophy. It is an effective treatment for people struggling with multiple different concerns. This includes emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), addiction, eating disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress. Psychologist Marsha Linehan, the creator of DBT, has experience with severe self-harm herself, so there is hope for those who are struggling.
Please note, at Lavendla we do not work specifically with DBT as it is a comprehensive treatment requiring individual and group treatment.
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DBT therapy
DBT therapy is a comprehensive treatment that includes both individual and group sessions with a therapist. You can also have telephone contact with your therapist between sessions to get support in dealing with self-destructive behaviour.
Treatment lasts about a year and includes weekly skills training aimed at learning how to manage and cope with difficult emotions. It includes training in mindfulness, social skills, emotion regulation and coping in crisis. Individual therapy involves working on current issues and dealing with any self-harming behaviour.
As with CBT, DBT uses behavioural analysis to identify the situations, feelings and thoughts that trigger certain behaviours. Then, the therapist and client explore alternative strategies and potential barriers to their use. DBT uses chain analysis to understand situations and events over time. Trauma treatment is also a component of DBT, as many people who struggle with emotional dysregulation have a history of trauma.
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Dialectical behavioural therapy skills training
The main goal of DBT is to help individuals develop skills to manage their emotions and relationships better. The therapy focuses on four main areas:
- Mindfulness: This means being aware of and accepting your thoughts and feelings in the present moment without judging them.
- Emotional regulation: Learning to identify and manage intense and rapid changes in emotions.
- Interpersonal effectiveness: Developing skills to communicate effectively and manage conflict in relationships.
- Distress tolerance: Developing strategies to deal with difficulties and pain without trying to avoid or escape from them.
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Dialectical behavioural therapy for EUPD
Emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), also known as borderline personality disorder, is a mental health diagnosis with characteristics that include difficulties with emotion management, self-image, trust, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. EUPD often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and affects about 2% of the population of Canada. People with EUPD may struggle with feelings of emptiness, emotional regulation, and impulsivity. Personality disorders often improve with age, but many also require treatment.
DBT therapy online
As DBT treatment is extensive and includes both individual and group sessions, it is rarely available online. However, some outpatient mental health departments offer both online DBT groups and individual therapy. These programs are accessible through referral from a family doctor.
12 common questions and answers about DBT
What is DBT?
Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy that was originally developed to treat people with more severe concerns such as emotional instability and self-harm.
What is DBT therapy?
DBT therapy is a comprehensive treatment aimed at learning to manage and cope with difficult emotions. It aims to increase the patient’s understanding of themselves and how to manage relationships.
How does DBT therapy work?
Treatment includes both individual and group sessions with a therapist, as well as additional telephone support between sessions. Treatment lasts about a year and includes weekly skills training.
Who can be helped by DBT therapy?
DBT has been shown to be helpful for people with personality disorders, addictions, eating disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress.
What is emotionally unstable personality disorder?
Emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), also known as borderline personality disorder, is a condition in which the person often has difficulty with emotion management, self-image, trust, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Treatment often requires specialized interventions through psychiatry.
What is borderline personality disorder?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is the other name for EUPD. EUPD is used by the ICD diagnostic system, while the DSM-5 diagnostic system uses the term BPD. As the term “borderline” can be stigmatizing, more and more agencies are referring to BPD as EUPD.
Can you get help with trauma in DBT?
If you have experienced trauma and have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is important to get a thorough assessment to see what treatment would work best for you. It is possible to get help with trauma as part of DBT treatment.
What is the difference between DBT and CBT?
DBT is a type of CBT based on the same foundation of learning theory and thoughts, feelings and behaviours. DBT also includes more mindfulness-based elements that have been inspired by Zen Buddhism.
Are women more likely to attend DBT than men?
Although it was previously thought that EUPD is much more prevalent in women, new research suggests that it is equally common for men and women to have EUPD. However, women are more likely to seek treatment and receive DBT.
What is skills training in DBT?
Skills training is a part of DBT treatment developed to teach clients how to better manage emotions and relationships.
What can I do if a family member needs DBT?
Talk to your family member about your concerns, and assist them in accessing DBT treatment if they are willing. DBT is usually offered through the outpatient departments of hospitals and can be accessed through a family doctor referral.
Where can I get help?
If you think you may be in need of DBT, you can seek care through your health center or family doctor and get a referral to psychiatry. We also have licensed psychologists at Lavendla who can help you with an initial assessment and referral. If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm and need immediate support, call 911, call or text the national suicide hotline at 988, or go to your nearest emergency department.
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