Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral treatment approach with two key characteristics:  1) a behavioral, problem-solving focus and 2) an emphasis on dialectical processes (dialogue between people who hold different ideas) and treating patients with multiple disorders. Components of the therapy include; skills training, individual behavioral treatment plans, generalization, reinforcement of adaptive disorders, and therapist team consultative groups. Therapists using this approach follow a detailed procedure manual.

Program Goals:

  • -It emphasizes individual psychotherapy and group skills training classes to help people learn and use new skills and strategies to develop a life that they experience as worth living. DBT skills include skills for mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

 

Target Audience:

  • -Chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • -Additionally, Individuals with a wide range of other disorders such as substance dependence, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders.

 

Program Description:

  • -DBT Consultation team works with participants Therapists in order to move participants through different stages of treatment.
  • -Stages are defined by the severity of the client’s behaviors, and therapists work within this frame to support clients in achieving his or her individual goals.
  • -There is no set timeframe allotted to each stage; instead, a therapist and client will spend a much or as little time as needed, based on the client’s goals.

 

Program Delivery:

  • -A DBT consultation team that works with the participants Therapists

 

Costs to Implement Program:

https://behavioraltech.org/training/online-training-courses/

Contact information

Reference Material

Dimeff, L., Koerner, K., & Linehan, M.M., (2002). Summary of research on dialectical behavior therapy. Seattle, WA: Behavioral Tech, LLC.

Verheul, R., Van Den Bosch, L. M. C., Koeter, M. W. J., De Ridder, M. A., Stijnen, T., & Van Den Brink, W. (2003). Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Women with Borderline Personality Disorder, 12-month, Randomized Clinical Trial in The Netherlands. British Journal of Psychiatry, 182, 135-140.