Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

The Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT examines how psychological illness and its symptoms affect social interactions. A therapy like this was initially designed for people struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder. Individuals who suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder are known to experience extreme mood swings, which adversely affect their social relationships. Furthermore, they tend to sustain their reactions to emotional stimulation for longer periods of time than average. In other words, people with Borderline Personality Disorder tend to stay in this heightened state longer than others. Therefore, the goal of DBT is to teach coping mechanisms and skills to manage their fluctuations in mood, as well as to help identify triggers in order to reduce the level of intensity of their emotional reactions.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Is Divided into Three Parts

A person participating in a DBT program will likely have individual and group therapy. However, one significant aspect of this treatment method is participation in a 16-week skills group. The typical three facets of a DBT program are described below:

Individual Therapy

During these sessions, a person works one on one time with a trained DBT clinician.

Group Therapy

During these sessions, those suffering from various mental illnesses gather together for a shared therapeutic experience. A trained clinician is facilitating the experience.

Skills Group

This is the time for an individual to learn the necessary life skills that make DBT so effective. Skills Groups typically meet once a week for 90 minutes. Individual therapy or group therapy can take place once or twice a week, targeting skills enhancement and integrating them with daily activities.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Research

Research on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy treatment effectiveness revealed that DBT participants were half as likely to attempt suicide and required fewer hospitalizations. There was also a lower chance that they would drop out of treatment. Because of this research and consistent studies showing the effectiveness of this method, DBT is known as an evidence-based treatment method.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Strategy

The Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) has evolved to encompass many different psychological disorders. In addition to severe depression, suicidal thinking, Bipolar Disorder, and self-harm, these disorders can cause extreme mood changes. The therapy progresses from most urgent issues (such as ensuring a person’s physical safety when he or she might be experiencing suicidal thoughts) to less urgent issues.

Some of the strategies of DBT have been used in other therapy approaches because of its effectiveness. These include the Support Strategy, Structuring the Environment, teaching skills to help regulate emotions, the Dialectical philosophy, and Mindfulness.

The Support Strategy

Individuals are encouraged to build on their strengths rather than focus on their weaknesses, in order to restore a positive self-image.

Structuring the Environment

Individuals receive treatment in a safe, non-judgmental environment, as well as learn how to alter their environment, such as refusing to be around harmful people. This is also a time for participants to evaluate the ways and times which they respond strongly to emotional stimulation and life circumstances, and how to better manage their reactions.

The Dialectical Philosophy

This is the philosophy behind therapeutic work. It refers to the balance DBT therapists strive for – ensuring participants know they are accepted, while inspiring them to make positive changes, grow, and succeed.

Mindfulness

This is a concentration skill taught to participants. Practicing mindfulness means being fully present and noticing oneself and the environment without judgment. Over time, individuals can learn to remain fully engaged in their current situation without reacting to it. In addition to helping them develop self-awareness, mindfulness can also help them manage their reactions more effectively.

Dialectical behavioral therapy may be helpful for you or someone you know if they suffer from a severe psychological illness.