General Overview
Previously had a link to Marsha Linehan's video podcast on Mindfulness. If interested, check the reference section for a direct link for viewing.
2. DBT is a modification of cognitive behavior
therapy (CBT) and a variety of other research
techniques.
Of note: DBT is empirically supported treatment.
DBT is designed to treat “individuals with self-
harm behaviors, such as self-cutting, suicide
thoughts, urges to suicide, and suicide
attempts.” Click
me
Empirical- DBT was researched and developed in clinical trials due to the therapy’s initial ineffectiveness and rejection by clients.
Treatment: Typically those with the listed behaviors tend to also meet criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and
subsequently also struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, eating disorders, or
dependency on drugs and alcohol.
3. Specifically designed as a year long “outpatient”
therapy (length of therapy is dependent on patient)
In DBT therapy, the therapist could be compared to a
patient’s life coach, sponsor, and firewall
No one gets to the patient without going through the
individual therapist – who is “in charge” of the patient
Three modes of treatment: Individual therapy, skills
group and phone coaching
In addition to the 3 modes of treatment, DBT is often
a combined therapy
Some patients with severe disorders require
pharmacological therapy
Click
me
4. Skill groups are designed to arm patients with
effective tools for working through their
issues
Groups are set up as classroom-type skill
builder sessions
Learn one skill set thoroughly before moving on to the
next
Groups focus on 4 sets of skills
Mindfulness – eyes wide open
Interpersonal effectiveness
Emotional regulation
Distress tolerance
Click
me
5. Discussion of Skillsets:
Mindfulness – you can’t learn if you fail to really see what’s around you
Interpersonal Effectiveness – defined but not in great detail as the topic is so large that it could result in a whole other
discussion piece
Emotional Regulation – learning to understand how emotions work and the skills needed to manage emotions instead of
being managed by them, to reduce vulnerability, and to build positive emotional experiences by validating ALL emotions (not
discounting them) even negative ones will ultimately provide a sense of control
Distress tolerance – builds on tolerating painful emotions and events when it’s not possible to make things better
immediately broken down into 4 sub-sets: distract, self-soothe, improve the moment, and pros & cons
6. Stage 1 - Moving from being out of control of one’s
behavior to being in control
Covers approximately 3 weeks
Focus is on the problem behavior responsible for treatment
Stage 2 – Moving from being emotionally shut down to
experiencing emotions fully
Targets understanding of the disorder or problems
Acquiring skills for addressing the problems
Reinforcing desired behaviors following self-injurous or suicidal communication
Stage 3 – Building an ordinary life, solving ordinary life
problems
Focus is on working through ordinary problems and stressors, with or without a therapist
Stage 4 – Moving from incompleteness to completeness
or connection
Finding a way to fill the void of a life full of therapy treatment, building on skills learned in therapy
Click
me
7. Click
me
Bohus, M., Haaf, B., Stiglmayr, C., Pohl, U., Bohme, R., & Linehan, M. (1999). Evaluation
of inpatient dialectical-behavioral therapy for borderline personality disorder -
a prospective study. Behavior Research and Therapy, 38(2000), 875-887.
Retrieved from http://depts.washington.edu/brtc/files/Bohus et al 2000.pdf
Dietz, L. (2003-2009). Dbt self help. Retrieved from
http://www.dbtselfhelp.com/html/dbt_skills__defined_.html
Dietz, L. (2003-2009). Dbt self help. Retrieved from
http://www.dbtselfhelp.com/html/flash_cards.html
Linehan, M. (1993). Skills training manual for treating borderline personality disorder.
New York, NY: The Guildford Press.
Linehan, M. (2009). Dialectical behavior therapy [Web]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTperp0Aa8Q
Linehan, M. (2009) Mindfulness & DBT I [Web]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eec_SA6oSEA
8. Click
me
Linehan, M. (2009) Mindfulness & DBT II [Web]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1ceBmqZnSI
Linehan, M. (2009) Mindfulness & DBT III [Web]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTWITUGhDZs
Linehan, M. (2009) Mindfulness & DBT IV [Web]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoLKQLvGylQ
Linehan, M. (2009) Mindfulness & DBT V [Web]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFYGEbDzjnM
McKay, M., Wood, J., & Brantley, J. (2007). The dialectical behavior therapy skills workbook.
(pp. 1-224). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc. Retrieved from
http://www.amazon.com/Dialectical-Behavior-Therapy-Skills-
Workbook/dp/1572245131/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b
Sanderson, C. (1997). Dialectical behavior therapy frequently asked questions. Retrieved from
www.behavioraltech.org
DBT skills workbook – an AMAZING tool for learning, but more specifically if this is a chosen specialty of interest.