Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a cognitive behavioral treatment that was originally developed to treat chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and it is now recognized.
In addition, research has shown that it is effective in treating a wide range of other disorders such as substance dependence, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and eating disorders.
It’s important to note that the reason DBT has proved effective for treating these conditions is that each of these conditions is thought to be associated with issues that result from unhealthy or problematic efforts to control intense, negative emotions.
DBT SKILLS
DBT includes four behavioral skill modules:
- Mindfulness: the practice of being fully aware and present in this one moment
- Distress Tolerance: how to tolerate pain in difficult situations, not change it
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: how to ask for what you want and say no while maintaining self-respect and relationships with others
- Emotion Regulation: how to decrease vulnerability to painful emotions and change emotions that you want to change
INDIVIDUAL DBT THERAPY:
Individual DBT therapy involves weekly sessions with your therapist. Each session lasts about 40 minutes to 50 minutes.
Individual DBT therapy sessions have the following goals:
- To help keep you safe by reducing suicidal and self-harming behaviors, if applicable.
- To limit behaviors that get in the way of productive therapy.
- To help you reach your goals and improve your quality of life by addressing what’s blocking your progress, such as mental health conditions or relationship issues.
- To help you learn new skills to replace unhelpful behaviors.
BENEFITS AND RISKS OF DBT:
- Less self-harm behavior and anger.
- Fewer days of inpatient hospitalization.
- Less drug and alcohol misuse.
- Improved depressive symptoms.
However, DBT isn’t for everyone; However, DBT is more likely to work for you if you:
- Are committed to making positive changes.
- Are ready to fully commit to therapy and do homework assignments.
- Are ready to focus mostly on your present and future, rather than your past.
How long will I need dialectical behavior therapy?:
DBT usually takes at least six months to a year. However, each person is unique, and mental health conditions are complex. You shouldn’t expect to be completely free of symptoms or no longer have problematic behaviors after one year of DBT.
Try not to get discouraged by how long it may take to be able to better manage your emotions and have a better quality of life. The important thing is that you’re seeking help. Any progress is good progress.