Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was originally developed by Marsha M. Linehan for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is now used for a variety of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

Overview

DBT combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques for emotion regulation and reality-testing with concepts of mindfulness, distress tolerance, and acceptance largely derived from Buddhist meditative practice. DBT is the first therapy that has been experimentally demonstrated to be generally effective in treating BPD.

Theoretical Basis

DBT is based on the dialectical process, which involves the synthesis of opposites. In DBT, this process is used to help patients reconcile the apparent contradiction between self-acceptance and change in order to bring about positive changes in their behavior.

Components

DBT has four main components: individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and consultation team. The individual therapy focuses on decreasing maladaptive behavior, while the group skills training teaches skills in four modules: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.

Efficacy

Numerous studies have shown the efficacy of DBT in reducing suicidal behavior, non-suicidal self-injury, and hospitalization rates for individuals with BPD. It has also been found to be effective in treating other mental health disorders.

See Also

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Mindfulness
• Borderline Personality Disorder