DBT - what is it and how can it help?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, or DBT, is an evidence-based treatment originally developed by Marsha Linehan for people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) who present with a high rate of suicide ideation and attempts. However, over the years DBT has proven an effect treatment for a range of other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance and eating disorders, etc.

DBT takes a biosocial approach to understanding how people’s symptoms arise and continue.

For example, some people with BPD grew up in an invalidating environment and tend to experience emotions intensely. Living in an environment where you don’t have support or acceptance of your needs can perpetuate or worsen those symptoms.

For others, it may be a mismatch of their personality and their environment, such as a sensitive person growing up in a boisterous household.

Dialectical behavior therapy is based on cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which on its own, has a plethora of research to show its effectiveness. The skills and strategies taught in DBT are balanced in terms of acceptance and change - dialectic.

DBT is highly structured, and teaches critical skills through four modules: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Emotion Regulation.

DBT is often provided within a highly regimented structure encompassing several hours per week of individual and group work. However, DBT can also be incorporated within other mental health modalities as the skills taught can be tailored to meet individual needs with effective results. DBT individual therapy is focused on enhancing motivation and helping clients to apply the skills to specific challenges and events in their lives that enable individuals to respond in a more appropriate and less destructive way.

If you would like to learn more about DBT or explore how this popular and effective therapeutic treatment can help you, contact me and Let's Chat About the many ways that DBT can work.