WHAT IS DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy was created by Dr. Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., founder of The Linehan Institute and Behavioral Tech. DBT was developed by Dr. Linehan to provide clinical support to individuals living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Research has shown that DBT is also an effective treatment modality for individuals struggling with other personality traits, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and substance use. DBT has been found to be effective with the adolescent population as well, particularly when relating to self-harm, suicidal ideation, and emotion dysregulation. DBT provides clients with skills to work towards fulfillment of their individualized life worth living goals.
DBT for adults consists of four skills modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
DBT for adolescents and families consists of five skills modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and walking the middle path.
For more information on the research supporting DBT visit: https://behavioraltech.org/research/how-dbt-helps/
HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE DBT INTO YOUR PRACTICE?
I completed the Foundational DBT Training through Behavioral Tech. I utilize a DBT-informed approach with adolescents and adults who may benefit from this treatment modality. I incorporate DBT into individual, couple, and family therapy sessions. I also provide parent skills coaching sessions to parents looking to supplement ongoing therapeutic work. A key dialectic that I highlight throughout the therapeutic process is self-improvement and self-acceptance.
Please note that DBT-informed therapy is different from an outpatient, comprehensive DBT program. An outpatient, comprehensive DBT program includes the following components: client participation in a weekly DBT skills group, individual DBT therapy, access to skills coaching, therapist participation in a weekly DBT meeting with colleagues, and any other additional sessions deemed clinically appropriate to support the client’s presenting needs (e.g. family therapy, couples therapy, individual DBT skills coaching sessions, weekly adolescent/family skills group, parent DBT skills coaching sessions). A DBT-informed approach does not include all of the components listed.