An Introduction to DBT

DBT is a form of therapy developed in the 1970s by Marsha Linehan to treat people with borderline personality disorder. DBT helps people with BPD to moderate intense emotions and learn to be more tolerant of difficult situations. In addition, it helps clients improve behaviors related to relationships, self-harm, and impulsivity.

DBT focuses on teaching four core skills: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness

DBT Four Core Skills

1. Mindfulness

Mindfulness teaches clients to become more aware of their thoughts and emotions. Learn to observe oneself without judgment. This skill is the foundation of DBT.

2. Distress Tolerance

Distress tolerance teaches clients how to deal with difficult emotions and situations.

3. Emotion Regulation

Emotion regulation teaches clients healthy ways to manage their difficult emotions effectively.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal effectiveness teaches clients how to navigate relationships by creating boundaries, managing conflict, and creating healthy, lasting relationships.

DBT is based on the idea that many problems are the result of a skill deficit and that by giving clients better skills, they can live a happier and more productive life.

Although DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder, it's used today to treat a wide range of conditions, including

Anxiety & Depression

Substance Abuse.

Self-Harm

ADHD

Eating Disorders

PTSD and

Bipolar Disorder

Effectiveness of DBT

DBT is one of the most studied forms of psychotherapy, with over a dozen clinical studies conducted to determine its effectiveness. The evidence of these studies has been overwhelmingly positive, showing DBT's effectiveness in reducing self-harm, better client treatment adherence, fewer serious clinical episodes, and patients reporting happier, more productive lives.

A 2014 German study attempted to examine the effectiveness of DBT for BPD in routine healthcare situations. The study was conducted over four years with six assessment points. Overall, 78 patients started the study, and 47 patients completed one year of treatment. Patients significantly improved regarding self-injurious behaviors, number of inpatient hospital stays, and severity of borderline symptoms. At the end of one year of treatment, 77% of the patients no longer met the criteria for a BPD diagnosis.

Today, DBT has become a popular tool for personal growth and change. It can help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms, improve relationships, and live a more fulfilling life

Source Material: The Linehan Institute Behavioral Tech..