Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Emphasizes Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an excellent choice for a variety of patients and has been proven in experimental situations to be effective in treating Borderline Personality Disorder and more. Whether individually or in a group setting, DBT seeks to create a supportive environment for patients that aids in strengthening skills linked to mindfulness and emotional regulation. Working on these skills in a group setting also aids in forming and practicing these new behaviors with the benefit of a social context.

DBT for Suicide and Suicidal Ideation

Because it was developed specifically to work with patients with BPD, suicidal tendencies, or patterns of self harm (chemical abuse can fall into this category as well), DBT Skills Group therapy shows promising results. DBT combines long established practices of behavioral therapy with East Asian practices of mindfulness to help patients identify behavior patterns that they must work to cope with and change.

DBT Reduces Cutting and other Self-injury

Numerous studies have been performed over the past twenty years that demonstrate the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy to lessen incidents of self-harm or parasuicidal behavior in patients. It is especially effective in treating chronic suicidal behavior, self-harming behavior, substance abuse, and therapy drop-outs.

Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosed Patients Need Support and Motivation

Many sufferers of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are coerced or unwittingly placed into therapy because of the dangerous nature of their conditions. Patients who are traditionally non-motivated or uncooperative in therapy cause a sense of frustration and burn out in both themselves and their therapists, negating all of the hard work put into healing and behavioral change.

Invalidation Plays a Role in Developing BPD through the Biosocial Model

A majority of patients who exhibit these behaviors come from backgrounds of criticism and severe invalidation so therapists must seek to create an environment of unconditional and non-judgmental support. The first goal of DBT in a group or individual setting is to establish a relationship in which the patient views the therapist not as an adversary but as a supportive ally. This attitude creates a sense of trust between therapist and patient, making patients more receptive to the coping techniques and behavioral therapy that will aid them in life.

DBT is an Empirically Supported Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder

Measured in a distinct reduction in harmful behaviors, it is clear that Dialectical Behavior Therapy yields results. Research done in the past few decades has demonstrated the efficacy of DBT, especially when group and individual therapy are used in combination. Individual attention applied in tandem with practicing coping and stress reduction in a social context vastly improves a patient's chances of managing his or her condition while in therapy.

For an updated, more in-depth look at this topic, see How Therapists and Patients Perceive DBT.