Monday 13 November 2017

Dialectical Behavior Therapy: For More Than Borderline Personality Disorder

a post by Lianna Tsangarides for the World of Psychology blog

Psychology Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), developed by Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that was originally developed to treat chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is now considered the treatment of choice for individuals with characteristics associated with symptoms of BPD such as impulsivity, interpersonal problems, emotion dysregulation, self-harm, and chronic suicidal behaviors.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a type of cognitive therapy that focuses on the balance between acceptance and change. DBT works with individuals to validate their pain and suffering while developing skills to make the changes needed to have a life worth living. The term “dialectical” refers to the philosophy of synthesizing two opposing perspectives or ideas that can exist simultaneously, such as acceptance and change.

A key component of DBT is skills training. DBT has 4 modules of skills, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. Each module helps individuals develops skills to manage their life more effectively and develop improved quality of life. The skills training and treatment of DBT is applicable to people with a wide range of mental health conditions to improve overall well-being, emotion management, and decrease negative emotions and distress. Therefore, DBT treatment or DBT informed therapy may be beneficial for individuals with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

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Yes, yes, yes! But …

That is a VERY BIG BUT can you access DBT in your area? If the answer to that question is “yes” then try asking for DBT if you do not have a diagnosis of Borderline [Emotionally Unstable] Personality Disorder.

Six weeks of CBT doesn't even come close and that has long waiting lists in many places.



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