DBT
DBT Informed Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of psychotherapy — or talk therapy — that uses a cognitive-behavioral approach. It was developed for patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and has proven to be effective in reducing suicidal behavior, self-harm, and psychiatric hospitalizations.
The theory behind DBT treatment is that some people are inclined to respond in a more intense manner in emotional situations that involve romantic, friend, or family relationships. BPD patients often have extreme emotional swings, view situations in unequivocal terms, and seem to constantly jump from one crisis to another. These reactions are difficult for friends and family to understand and leaves the individual without coping strategies for their intense feelings. DBT teaches them skills to do this.
Comprehensive DBT usually takes from six months to a full year for a patient to achieve results. Another option for some patients is DBT-informed therapy. This option does not use all the components of comprehensive DBT but may still help patients achieve noticeable results.
DBT can also be used to treat substance abuse disorders, eating disorders, depression, or in combination with other treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The theory behind DBT treatment is that some people are inclined to respond in a more intense manner in emotional situations that involve romantic, friend, or family relationships. BPD patients often have extreme emotional swings, view situations in unequivocal terms, and seem to constantly jump from one crisis to another. These reactions are difficult for friends and family to understand and leaves the individual without coping strategies for their intense feelings. DBT teaches them skills to do this.
Comprehensive DBT usually takes from six months to a full year for a patient to achieve results. Another option for some patients is DBT-informed therapy. This option does not use all the components of comprehensive DBT but may still help patients achieve noticeable results.
DBT can also be used to treat substance abuse disorders, eating disorders, depression, or in combination with other treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What Is Comprehensive DBT?
DBT is intended to help patients find balance by understanding and accepting their lives as they currently are while learning to overcome destructive behaviors. Comprehensive DBT includes four types of treatment:
Individual therapy
Group therapy
Phone coaching
Consultation team meetings
Skills Taught In DBT
Patients are taught new behavior skills so they are less likely to overreact to emotional situations, especially those involving close relationships. During weekly sessions, both individual and group, patients learn necessary coping skills that include:
Mindfulness
Interpersonal effectiveness
Emotional regulation
Distress tolerance
What Is DBT-informed Treatment?
DBT-informed treatment applies principles from comprehensive DBT but does not require all phases to be applied to complete treatment. With this option, patients learn the most needed methods to manage their individual behavior. Patients who are not suicidal, for example, may benefit from a more personalized approach available through DBT-informed treatment.
Which Treatment Is Right For Me?
Comprehensive DBT is usually the most effective approach for patients with severe symptoms. A licensed therapist can help determine if comprehensive or DBT-informed treatment is the right approach. DBT therapy has proven to be an effective option for those who have found other forms of therapy to be ineffective.