Dialectical Behavior Therapy FAQs

1. What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy created by psychologist Marsha Linehan. It focuses on teaching people how to live in the moment, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with others.

2. What does "dialectical" mean in DBT?
The term "dialectical" refers to the process of synthesizing opposite concepts, such as acceptance and change. In DBT, clients are taught to balance accepting themselves as they are (acceptance) with recognizing the need for change (change), thereby helping them move toward improved emotional regulation and behavior.

3. What types of problems does DBT address?
Initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT has also been proven effective in treating other mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, and substance abuse.

4. How does DBT differ from other therapies?
DBT is unique in its focus on the balance of acceptance and change and its structured approach. It includes both individual psychotherapy and group skills training classes to teach clients skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

5. What can I expect in a DBT session?
In individual DBT sessions, you'll work on applying the skills you learn to specific challenges and events in your life. In group sessions, you'll learn and practice new skills with guidance from a therapist and feedback from group members.

6. How long does a typical DBT treatment last?
A full course of DBT usually lasts about a year. The therapy typically includes weekly individual therapy sessions, weekly group skills training sessions, and as-needed phone coaching to support clients in using their skills in daily life.

7. Are there different stages in DBT therapy?
Yes, DBT has four stages. Stage 1 focuses on stabilizing the person and achieving behavioral control; Stage 2 addresses emotional experiences and past trauma; Stage 3 helps enhance life with goals and relationships; and Stage 4 promotes connectedness and happiness.

8. What skills does DBT teach?
DBT teaches four main sets of behavioral skills: mindfulness (the practice of being fully aware and present in the moment), distress tolerance (tolerating pain in difficult situations, not changing it), emotion regulation (managing and changing intense emotions that are causing problems in a person’s life), and interpersonal effectiveness (dealing with interpersonal conflict and assertiveness skills).

9. Is DBT appropriate for teenagers?
Yes, DBT has been adapted for teenagers and adolescents with issues such as suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, and borderline personality features. It includes family involvement and adaptations appropriate for developmental levels.

10. How effective is DBT?
Research has shown DBT to be effective in reducing suicidal behavior, psychiatric hospitalization, treatment dropout, substance use, anger, and interpersonal difficulties. It is considered a gold standard treatment for borderline personality disorder and is increasingly used for other mental health issues as well.