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Dialectical behavioral therapy is a treatment method with roots in cognitive behavioral therapy and Zen Buddhist philosophy. This article explains more about what DBT is and how it can help.
What is dialectical behavioral therapy?
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) originally developed to treat people with more severe problems such as emotional instability and self-harm.
It combines principles from CBT with elements of Zen Buddhism and Eastern philosophy, and has been shown to be effective for many difficult-to-treat clients. DBT is also helpful for addiction, eating disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress. Psychologist Marsha Linehan, the developer of DBT, was inspired by her own struggles with self-harm as well as the unique needs of her clients.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
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DBT treatment
DBT 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 behavior.
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 behavior.
As with CBT, behavioral analysis is used to identify the situations, feelings and thoughts that trigger certain behaviors, the alternative strategies that could be used and the barriers to their use. DBT uses chain analysis to understand situations and events over time. Trauma treatment is also a component of the treatment, as many people also need this type of intervention.
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DBT skills training manual
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.
- Resilience to suffering: Developing strategies to deal with difficulties and pain without trying to avoid or escape from them.
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Dialectical behavioral therapy for borderline personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder is a severe condition in which the person often has problems with emotion management, self-image, trust, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, among others. Borderline personality disorder often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and affects about 1-2% of the population. If you have borderline personality disorder, you may have feelings of emptiness, a sense of unreality, and be impulsive. Personality disorders often improve with age, but many also need treatment.
DBT online
Recently many DBT groups have successfully transitioned to an online format. Groups take place on secure video platforms and meet, as they do in person, once a week for about a year.
12 common questions and answers about DBT
What is DBT?
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that was originally developed to treat people with more severe problems such as emotional instability and self-harm.
What is DBT treatment?
DBT 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 treatment 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 treatment?
DBT has been shown to be helpful for personality disorders such as emotional instability and suicidality as well as addiction, eating disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
What is borderline personality disorder?
Borderline personality disorder is a severe condition in which the person often has problems with emotion management, self-image, trust, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Treatment often requires specialized psychiatric interventions.
What if I need help in between DBT sessions?
DBT includes a component of contact with the therapist between sessions. You can talk with your DBT therapist about when and how to appropriately reach out if you need help before your next session.
Does DBT help with trauma?
If you have experienced trauma and have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is important to get a thorough assessment and treatment for your PTSD symptoms. DBT may be part of your treatment plan depending on the severity of your diagnosis.
What is the difference between DBT and CBT?
DBT is a later development of CBT but they are based on the same foundation of learning theory and thoughts, feelings and behaviors. DBT also includes more mindfulness-based elements that have been inspired by Zen Buddhism.
Are women more likely to attend DBT than men?
It is equally common for men and women to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, with about 1-2% of the population having it. However, women are much more likely to seek treatment and receive DBT, with around 75% of patients being women.
What is skills training in DBT?
Skills training is a part of DBT treatment developed to teach patients how to better manage emotions and relationships.
What can I do if a family member needs DBT?
There is family therapy for those who are close to people with borderline personality disorder, for example.
Where can I get help?
At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists who can help you feel better. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact your nearest emergency room or call 911.
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