What is DBT?

We've all heard of CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but what is this DBT? DBT stands for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, it combines many of the successfull techniques used in CBT and incorporates methodologies from various practices including Eastern mindfulness techniques.

DBT not only has evolved as a treatment for borderline personality disorder but also has been adapted for treating substance abuse in borderlines and for eating disorders. Current research is investigating DBT adapted for depressed elderly persons, for couples and families, and for suicidal adolescents.

DBT can be used as indiviudal therapy as well as couples and group therapy. Here are a few of the skills explored in Dialiectical Behavioral Therapy.

Mindfulness skills, which are versions of Eastern spiritual training, include observing, describing, participating in the here and now, taking a non-judgmental stance, focusing on one thing in the moment, and being effective.

Interpersonal effectiveness skills include basic assertiveness training: how to set goals and priorities in relationships, guidelines for keeping a relationship, maintaining one's self-respect, and a cognitive challenging of common myths about relationships.
Emotion regulation skills include myths about emotions, ways to describe emotions, guidelines for staying out of emotion mind, steps for increasing positive emotions, and using opposite emotions. Clients learn to do a chain analysis of problem behaviors.

Distress tolerance skills include distraction, self-soothing, listing pros and cons, visual imagery, relaxation, prayer, breathing exercises and "half-smiling exercises" reminiscent of Buddha's serene expression.

The information is provided for educational purposes. Please understand that this information is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. These are just a few thoughts on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, if you would like more information, please visit http://www.therapeuticbenefits.com/ for resources, low cost therapy in Santa Barbara, and to schedule a free phone consultation.
References include Linehan, Marsha M. (1993). Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder. New York: Guilford Press.