Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) has been gaining popularity recently as a treatment for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). It involves the use of four primary modes of therapy, often referred to as four pillars or four levels of therapy, which include individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultation team. There are also many other components of DBT that make it so effective at treating BPD, including the use of mindfulness exercises and validation therapy to help patients improve their emotional regulation skills and how they relate to others.
The origins of DBT
The origins of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy can be traced back to Marsha Linehan’s attempts at understanding borderline personality disorder. There were two specific reasons why this disorder was of particular interest: 1) it exhibited strong links to suicidal behaviour and 2) the condition seemed especially resistant to treatment. After careful study, she determined that a close examination of how suicidal individuals perceived their situations would be key. In 1984, she began experimenting with a modified version of cognitive behavioural therapy which incorporated dialectics and not just unidirectional behaviour; the goal was to teach patients coping skills with managing emotions.
Negative consequences of mental health stigma
People with mental health stigma tend to be more critical and less supportive of people who have a mental health disorder. Mental illness becomes more apparent when someone breaks their self-imposed rules due to a difficulty. Sometimes a person will not disclose their status as they are aware of society’s harsh response to it.
Who should seek treatment?
Whether you suffer from an eating disorder, drug addiction, or co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety, DBT may be right for you. It can be used with people struggling with a variety of behaviours and mental health conditions that cause difficulty to themselves and those around them. Some evidence-based therapies will only focus on one problem at a time while others such as DBT also seek to address broader issues, such as self-harm or suicidality.
What treatments are offered?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy or DBT, can help people with Borderline Personality Disorder. It works by teaching new skills and helps to break down core beliefs and thought patterns. The ultimate goal of this treatment is to help patients with BPD become less impulsive and suicidal, while reducing their anger at other people. Medications are not used as often during this treatment plan because they may be too much of a controlling agent for people who have difficulty regulating their emotions on their own.
Are there alternatives to medication?
Dialectical behaviour therapy, commonly known as DBT, is often framed as an alternative to medication. It’s not an alternative to medication at all. Like any other treatment, medications can be helpful but they may also have their own side effects and risks. A variety of factors are taken into account when deciding whether someone needs medication and the use of drugs should never stop you from getting help for your problems.
What are some first steps towards recovery?
Dialectical behaviour therapy has been helping people with suicidal ideation and other challenging behaviours for decades. But lately, it’s been getting a lot of attention because of the Netflix show 13 Reasons Why. In addition to recognising the benefits of therapy, many people are also wondering what steps they can take on their own to get started.
While you don’t need to find a therapist before taking any steps towards your recovery, DBT does involve meeting regularly with a therapist and having homework every week.