Sometimes, painful emotions and conflicts can take a lot out of a person. But dialectical behavior therapy can help with this, and when dialectical behavior treatment is offered through in person or online therapy, it can help on different elements that can benefit your life. Here, we will look at elements of DBT treatment, and what you can get regarding the benefits from it.
Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a type of psychotherapy that teaches group skills to help people or a person learn and utilize skills that they need to create a life that they appreciate. It was developed by Marsha Lineman, who used it initially for those who had BPD, and it now can be used for a majority of the population for other disorders, especially those that cause self destructive behaviors. Essentially, therapy gives a person new skills that they can use to help with managing intense negative emotions that are painful, and decrease relationship conflicts, which has huge benefits.
Four key elements are focused on in DBT therapy, and they are as follows:
It's a way to help with managing painful emotions and conditions, and it's important to know that while it was originally used for BPD, it's actually expanding into other fronts.
It was originally used to treat borderline personality disorder. But, it can help treat those that experience depression, post traumatic stress disorder, binge-eating, generalized anxiety disorder, bulimia, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, or even any form of substance abuse. DBT skills are thought to help everyone improve and regulate their emotions, allowing for more tolerance of distress and negative emotion, allowing someone to be mindful and present within the moment, improving communication, and an ability to interact with others better. Dialectical Behavior Therapy DBT has the ability to change the relationship with feelings, experiences, and thoughts, that one may experience in one way or another.
Rather than just addressing problems, dialectical behavioral therapy teaches skills because behaviors that are a problematic start to evolve as a way to cope with either a situation or a means to solve a problem. While addressing problems can provide temporary relief or something that can help short-term, it's not helpful long-term. To provide effective treatment, DBT assumes that clients are trying as best as possible and that they need to learn behaviors in different contexts. DBT helps with capabilities of an individual by teaching these different skills. These will allow a person to navigate and handle situations within everyday life, or manage challenges that get too big for this. These skills, according to Linehan, are a huge part of building a life that's worth living.
A DBT therapist can help with different case management as well since it will teach a client to be their case manager. The individual therapist in many of these cases is more of a consultant and can interact and stop anything as necessary.
DBT is mainly categorized as cognitive therapy. Since it was originally used for those with BPD, let's go over how it works with those that have BPD.
People that have BPD have very extremely negative emotions, all of which are very hard for a person to change and manage. They can be intense, and uncontrollable emotions that become a problem when they're interacting with other people, including friends, romantic partners, and even their own family. This can lead to a ton of conflict in relationships, which doesn't benefit anyone really, including the individual with BPD.
Individual therapy in a DBT program is influenced by philosophy of dialectics, which is essentially balancing behavioral opposites. A therapist will work with you to find the different ways these two different perspectives are influencing you. And while they may be opposites, with the proper balance of these two and avoiding each of these extremes regarding the way you think, it can help you out immensely. DBT gives you a both, rather than either or, and dialectics at heart of DBT is looking to help accept change, allowing you as a person to grow from these changes. In clinical psychology, DBT training offers distress tolerance skills, coping skills, and thought reframing for those attending individual therapy.
Changes can influence a person in both positive and negative manners. While some people handle it well, those with BPD may have a surge of negative emotions that can be a bit of a problem. But with correct behavioral therapy and help, along with accepting changes that transpire, and working towards being the best person that they can be will make a difference.
This type of therapy consists of both groups and one-on-one sessions. The therapist can occasionally be seen as a coach to the patient. Usually, individualistic therapy sessions are one-on-one contact, and all of the therapeutic needs are addressed. The goal of individual therapy sessions is to keep the person motivated, and helps them apply these skills in their life, and address any obstacles that might arise during treatment.
For each of the skills, the therapist has their own goal. When it comes to mindfulness, it can be becoming more mindful of what the triggers are that cause this emotional distress, or any triggers and situations that can cause a need to lash out and a inability to accept change. This is usually a focus since understanding and accepting change is a huge part of behavioral tech treatment.
With distress tolerance, it's helping the person try to tolerate negative emotions. Lots of times, a patient will get away from it, or lash out, which breeds more negativity. With DBT, you'll be able to help the person tolerate the current emotions, and handle distress.
Emotional regulation on the therapist's part consists of strategies that can be used to help the person become more emotionally regulated. Managing emotions will help with prevention of blowups, allowing them to harness control over their emotions.
Interpersonal effectiveness does work with helping the person become more assertive with their relationships, and allows them to get better at communicating various factors, allowing them to have a stronger, healthier relationship not just with themselves, but with other people.
The final one usually falls more onto a group aspect of DBT, and we will go over that in the next section.
This group aspect is mostly learning how to practice these skills. The one-on-one aspect is getting to the why, but group allows you to practice your skills. Other people have their own experiences, and they may know of something that can be used to help you cope with situations better, and it does give you a better, more reliable support network. Usually, one trained therapist is leading all of this, and they practice different skills and exercises. Group members are given some homework, including mindfulness exercises, and other types of regulation.
The group aspect of this is usually about two hours, and meet weekly for six months, more or less depending on the needs that people have. DBT is done in different ways, depending on clients and therapist. Some people don't need skills groups, but others might like to have skills groups since they work better with others. Ultimately, it's up to you to figure out what you need for yourself and have the correct therapy delivered based on personal needs.
For many people, this can help to treat a wide variety of conditions and other disorders. Being able to handle and regulate emotions is a focal part of treatment. If you're curious about learning how to regulate your own emotions, or if you have any of the disorders listed and need some help with it, the best thing for you to do, is to seek out a therapist within the area that's ready to help you, and one that will do you much good. To learn more about DBT and what it can do for you, read some treatment outcome literature.
The six main points of dialectical behavior therapy are acceptance and change, behavioral, cognitive, skill sets, collaboration, and support.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy developed by Marsha Linehan that teaches individuals with mental health issues skill sets to live in the moment, form coping mechanisms, regulate their emotions, and improve relationships. It was first developed as a way to treat individuals with bipolar disorder, but now is used to relieve symptoms of other mental health problems including binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, substance use disorder, self injury, suicide attempts, and more. Suicidal behavior and thoughts of self harm should always be taken seriously. If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger - don't use this site. These resources can provide you with immediate help.
Techniques of dialectical behavior therapy include treatment strategies surrounding practicing mindfulness, tolerating distress, regulating emotions, and managing interpersonal relationships with loved ones and colleagues.
The four components of DBT include group skills training, individual treatment (including learning life skills, positive thought patterns, mindfulness skills, emotion regulation skills, and more), DBT phone coaching, and consultation team.
DBT is a skill that you can learn on your own, without the help of dbt therapists and practices like diary cards. While DBT skills training is most effective with the help of a therapist, these skills modules are meant to be practiced consistently by the individual on their own time as well.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, the most effective form of therapy for those with depression is CBT. SInce DBT is a form of CBT, it can be an effective form of therapy for individuals with depression, although extensive meta-analysis has not been done to is still being conducted to support this idea.
DBT is very effective for individuals with a number of mental health issues, but is not recommended for patients with mood and anxiety disorders. These individuals should consult a mental health professional for the best course of treatment.
Skills learned through DBT include the ability to describe, express, assert, reinforce, be mindful, appear, and negotiate.
What is a dialectical thinking?
Dialectical thinking involves analytical reasoning, pursuing knowledge and truth of one’s thoughts and emotions as long as there are questions and conflicts in one’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does dialectical behavioral therapy mean?
Dialectical behavior therapy DBT is any approach that involves skills training, goal setting and was initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder. It’s a cognitive behavioral treatment method that uses both individual therapy and groups.
It can be an effective treatment for a variety of mental disorders, such as post traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders. For people struggling with borderline personality disorder or another mental illness like binge eating, seeking professional help is the best way to gain coping skills and a deeper understanding of their disorder.
What are the four main points of dialectical behavior therapy?
When working with a DBT therapist, there are four main goals:
What is the difference between cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy?
DBT falls under the umbrella of cognitive behavioral therapy methods, but it has a more specific approach. Dialectical behavior therapy DBT is different from cognitive behavioral therapy in that it focuses on acceptance and change, rather than rational thought and finding solutions.
Therapy sessions are designed with unique elements to help a person accurately explain how they are feeling. This is especially helpful for individuals who struggle with emotion regulation and impulsivity.
What are the main components of dialectical behavior therapy?
If you’re looking to find a therapist that specializes in DBT, you may be wondering what treatment will entail overall. There are four main ways your therapist will help you develop dialectical behavior therapy skills.
What does it mean to think dialectically?
If you decide to look more into DBT and find a therapist who specializes in this therapy model, you will be introduced to a concept called “dialectical thinking.” Dialectical thinking is focused on viewing an issue from a multitude of perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of a situation or emotion in order to reconcile effectively.
Can a person with BPD really love?
Yes, a person with borderline personality disorder is able to form emotional connections. They sometimes struggle with a fear of abandonment, and it can be difficult for them to maintain long lasting relationships. Family therapy or couples therapy can help loved ones understand the disorder more, and develop skills to communicate effectively.
Is DBT effective for depression?
Yes, DBT has been found to be helpful in dealing with symptoms of depression. DBT can help individuals learn new coping skills and habits, especially when other forms of treatment haven’t been helpful. Because there is a support group involved, it can also help with feelings of loneliness that are sometimes associated with it.
Is DBT good for trauma?
Yes, DBT can help manage negative emotions that result from trauma. If you’re struggling to process traumatic events that occurred in your life, it’s best to find a therapist that creates a treatment plan that will work for you.
How long does DBT treatment last?
On average, a full course of DBT spans the course of approximately 6 months. If you decide to look into DBT treatment, find a therapist you can connect to and ask them what a treatment plan looks like. Therapists treat different people differently, and not everyone will have the same experience with DBT.
Is CBT or DBT better for anxiety?
Both CBT and DBT are effective treatment models for anxiety. The type of therapy that will work for you is specific to your individual needs.
CBT is a more philosophical approach to addressing anxiety, whereas DBT has more of a holistic approach. A good way to figure out what will work best for you is to find a therapist and discuss treatment options.
Does DBT work for anxiety?
Yes, DBT has been known to help treat symptoms of anxiety. Because of this focus on mindfulness and social interactions, it can be a great method for those who are trying to gain a better understanding of their thought processes.
What are the nine symptoms of borderline personality disorder?
It’s important for people with BPD to find a therapist that can help relieve and understand their symptoms. There are a variety of signs that someone is struggling with this distressing mental disorder, but here are 9 of the most common ones:
What are target behaviors in DBT?
Target behaviors are used in each DBT session to create goals on what behavior should be worked on. They are separated into three categories: life-threatening behavior, therapy-interfering behavior, and quality-of-life-interfering behavior.
What disorders does DBT treat?
Though DBT was initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder, it has been proven to help a variety of mental illnesses, including post traumatic stress disorder. Therapists that specialize in DBT also treat people with eating disorders, people who struggle with self-harm, and people who struggle with substance use disorders. They may also use their model to facilitate family therapy.
Through support groups, phone coaching and body language work your individual therapist can help provide you skills to deal with your mental illness. It’s never the wrong time to find a therapist that can help you move through life in a more satisfying way.
Does DBT really work?
Clinical psychology has well-established DBT as a very effective therapy model. If you’re looking to find a therapist, a support group and a better understanding of yourself, DBT could be a great option for you.