DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy)

D

Dialectical is a word to describe a process where opposing ideas or phenomena are held simultaneously, often generating a synthesis or “middle way.” The primary dialectic in DBT is that of acceptance on the one hand and change on the other. You may be familiar with the serenity prayer recited in 12 step recovery programs. 

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference (Serenity Prayer from Alcoholics Anonymous)

As treatment providers and staff we attempt to hold a dialectical framework while performing assessments, treatment planning, and interventions. We also work to reinforce this kind of “middle-way” thinking and responding in our clients.

B

Behavioral refers to DBT’s roots in the science of behaviorism. Behaviorism seeks to understand, predict, and change behavior. In DBT we use the tools of behaviorism to do this in the most effective and compassionate way that we can. 

T

Therapy takes a very specific shape in DBT. It includes individual therapy along with specific skills groups so that clients get training and practice with a DBT-certified therapist. The goal of this type of therapy is to help clients reach their version of a “life worth living.”

Is DBT right for me?

Dialectical behavioral therapy was first developed to help people who experience frequent hospitalizations due to repeated suicide attempts or self-harm behaviors. People who struggle with these behaviors are often diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder or BPD.

People who experience BPD tend to relate to the following statements. See if these resonate with you or your loved one:

• “I often act impulsively and feel out of control.” (spending money, sexual behaviors, self-harm, etc.) 
• “My moods tend to swing from emotional crises to numbness–sometimes in the same day.”
• “I am often paranoid about what others are thinking or saying about me.” (tendency toward seeing people/situations as all good or all bad)
• “I often jump into relationships too easily or destroy relationships that are important to me.”
• “I feel empty, and I don’t know who I am. Especially when I’m alone.”

Besides its effectiveness on clients with borderline personality disorder-type behaviors, over the past 25 years, DBT has gained empirical support as an effective treatment for additional clinical issues:

• Suicidal thoughts and other self-harm behaviors
• Eating disorders
• Substance abuse
• Depression
• Anger issues

If you see yourself or a loved one in the descriptions above, please reach out to us. We have extensive experience providing therapy for these difficult issues. Call 801-874-1969 for a free phone consultation.