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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT, is a treatment method that combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Zen Buddhist philosophy. Here, we will provide more details about DBT and how it can benefit you.
What is dialectical behavioural therapy?
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a form of Cognitive Behavioural 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 is effective for many difficult-to-treat clients. DBT is also helpful for addiction, eating disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress. Psychologist Marsha Linehan, who developed the treatment method, has had problems with severe self-harm herself, so there is a lot of hope for those who are struggling to feel better.
Please note that at Lavendla, we do not work specifically with DBT as it is a comprehensive treatment at a specialist level in psychiatry.
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Treatment with DBT
DBT is a comprehensive treatment that includes 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 managing and coping 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, behavioural analysis is used to identify the situations, feelings, and thoughts that trigger specific behaviours and alternative strategies and 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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Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Skills
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: 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 emotional changes.
- 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 Behavioural Therapy for emotionally unstable personality syndrome
Emotionally Unstable Personality Syndrome (also known as 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. Adolescence is a time to develop one’s identity, but in EUPS, some problems are not transitory. EUPS often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood, and about 1-2% of the population has the syndrome. You may have feelings of emptiness, unreality, and impulsiveness. Personality disorders often improve with age, but many also need treatment.
DBT therapy online
Unfortunately, you cannot do DBT via video, as the treatment is more extensive and includes both individual and group sessions.
11 FAQs about DBT
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy that was initially developed to treat people with more severe problems such as emotional instability and self-harm.
How does DBT work?
Treatment includes individual and group sessions with a therapist and additional telephone support between sessions. Treatment lasts about a year and includes weekly skills training.
Who can be helped by DBT?
It is helpful for personality disorders such as emotional instability and suicidality, but also addiction, eating disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress.
What is emotionally unstable personality disorder?
Emotionally Unstable Personality Syndrome (formerly known as 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 usually requires specialized interventions through psychiatry.
What is borderline personality disorder?
The ICD diagnostic system uses the diagnosis of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, which corresponds to Borderline Personality Disorder in the DSM-5 diagnostic system that is widely used in South African psychiatry. The term borderline has been stigmatized for a long time, which is why it is more commonly referred to as EUPS.
Can you get help with trauma in DBT?
If you have experienced trauma and have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is essential to get a thorough assessment and treatment for your PTSD symptoms. It is possible to get help with trauma as part of the treatment.
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 behaviours. DBT also includes more mindfulness-based elements 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 EUPS, 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 part of the DBT treatment and was developed to teach patients how to better manage their 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 EUPS, for example.
Where can I get help?
If you need DBT, you can seek care through your health centre and get a referral to psychiatry. Because all of our therapists at Lavendla offer online services only, please seek your nearest in-person DBT-specialised therapist if you require DBT treatment.
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