Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

DBT SYDNEY

 
 

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) may be used to treat suicidal and other self-destructive behaviours. It teaches patients skills to cope with, and change, unhealthy behaviours.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), was developed by Dr Marsha Linehan in the late 1980’s and is a therapy that focuses on behavioural change for individuals with extreme/disproportionate emotions and distress. Designed originally for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD); research shows it can be also useful in treating mood disorders, ADHD, suicidal ideation, and for change in behavioural patterns such as self- harm and substance use.
DBT combines standard cognitive-behavioural techniques for emotion regulation and reality-testing with concepts of distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindful awareness – largely derived from contemplative meditative practice.

What's Unique About Dialectical Behavioural Therapy?

The term "dialectical" comes from the idea that bringing together two opposites in therapy -- acceptance and change -- brings better results than either one alone.

A unique aspect of DBT is its focus on acceptance of a patient's experience as a way for therapists to reassure them and balance the work needed to change negative behaviours.

Standard comprehensive DBT has four parts:

  • Individual therapy

  • Group skills training

  • Phone coaching, if needed for crises between sessions

  • Consultation group for health care providers to stay motivated and discuss patient care

Patients agree to do homework to practice new skills. This includes filling out daily "diary cards" to track more than 40 emotions, urges, behaviours, and skills, such as lying, self-injury, or self-respect.

What Conditions Does DBT Treat?

Dialectical behavioural therapy can support high-risk, tough-to-treat patients. These patients often have multiple diagnoses.

DBT was initially designed to treat people with suicidal behaviour and borderline personality disorder. But it has been adapted for other mental health problems that threaten a person's safety, relationships, work, and emotional well-being.

Borderline personality disorder is a disorder that leads to acute emotional distress. Patients may have intense bursts of anger and aggression, moods that shift rapidly, and extreme sensitivity to rejection.