DBT is a popular evidence-based therapy for emotion regulation problems. Originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan (University of Washington) for highly suicidal adults, DBT has since been adapted to treat issues including:
- substance dependence
- binge eating disorder
- bulimia nervosa
- anxiety
- and anger.
There is a DBT model for adolescents and their families, as well.
Genuine DBT contains four important components: Individual therapy, group skills training, and after-hours telephone coaching for clients, as well as a peer consultation team for their therapists. DBT providers are well-trained and as faithful to Linehan’s treatment manual as possible because it is the form of DBT proven effective through many research studies. To locate an adherent DBT therapist and/or program approved by Dr. Linehan’s credentialing board, please visit https://dbt-lbc.org. Other clinicians who have completed high-quality intensive training in DBT may be found in the following directory: https://behavioraltech.org/resources/find-a-therapist. Middle Path does not have adherent DBT at the current time; rather, we offer DBT-informed services.
What is DBT-Informed Counseling?
DBT-informed treatment is not full-model DBT; rather, it features some DBT techniques and contains one or more (but not all) of the four components described above. DBT-informed treatment may be helpful for individuals who experience difficulties managing their emotions yet are not as chronically ill as those who likely need the entire intervention. For example, research suggests that DBT skills training by itself can be effective in many cases.
A New DBT Skills Group
Middle Path now offers a 90-minute skills training group. It is 24 weeks / 6 months in length and covers each the core DBT skills modules:
- Mindfulness
- Distress Tolerance
- Emotion Regulation
- and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
Mindfulness skills are about being aware of, and participating fully in the present moment. Distress Tolerance skills allow us to cope with crisis situations without reacting impulsively–and likely making things worse. Emotion Regulation skills provide a better understanding of one’s emotions and how to prevent them from becoming out-of-control. Interpersonal Effectiveness skills help us to be more assertive, ask for what we want, and to say “no” when appropriate.
To learn more about the DBT skills group (including fees and the facilitator’s bio) please visit dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt-skills-group
References:
Dimeff, L.A., and Koerner, K. (Eds) (2007). Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Clinical Practice: Applications Across Disorders and Settings. New York: Guilford Press.
Linehan, M.M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. New York: Guilford Press.
Linehan, M.M. (2015). DBT Skills Training Manual (2nd Edition). New York: Guilford Press.
Linehan, M.M., Korslund, K.E., Harned, M.S., Gallop, R.J. et al. (2015) ‘Dialectical behavior therapy for high suicide risk in individuals with borderline personality disorder: A randomized clinical trial and component analysis.’ JAMA Psychiatry 72, 5, 475-482.