Premium Essay

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Submitted By
Words 1733
Pages 7
Dialectical Behavior Therapy to Treat Borderline Personality Disorder
Kari Deutscher
University of Saint Francis

Abstract
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specific type of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy initially developed by Marsha Linehan for the treatment of individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and additional psychiatric disorders associated with emotion dysregulation. DBT is currently the most frequently investigated psychosocial intervention for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). DBT’s treatment program includes weekly skills training group led by two therapists, individual therapy, telephone consultation, and consultation team meetings. Over the years, DBT has been proven to be beneficial in treating …show more content…
The mode of skills training generally occurs in weekly groups. Groups are conducted in a psycho-educational format in four modules: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance. The groups typically lasts 2.5 hours and have a leader and co-leader. In most outpatient DBT programs, it takes approximately 6 months to teach the full set of skills. The first half of group is typically dedicated to homework review and the second half is dedicated to educating new skills. Groups are aimed to follow the protocol and content provided in the DBT skills training manual (Jennings & Apsche, 2014).
According to Gratz & Tull, (2011), after a 14-week emotion regulation skills group for women with Borderline Personality Disorder, more than three-quarters of participants reached improved levels of functioning on measures of emotion dysregulation, experiential avoidance, and BPD symptoms. More than half reported clinically significant improvements in the outcomes specifically targeted by the group: emotion dysregulation and experiential avoidance. Results also show that 55% of participants reported abstinence from deliberate self-harm during the second 7 weeks of the group (Gratz & Tull, …show more content…
DBT has also been used in correctional and forensic settings, both because BPD is diagnosed in higher rates in prison populations and because DBT directly targets to lessen impulsive, aggressive, or life-threatening behaviors and addresses staff burnout. DBT has been adapted for use with a variety of populations in forensic settings, involving female offenders, juveniles, sexual abusers, male batterers, and inmates with BPD and other personality disorders. The outcome data is narrow and mixed, but in some settings DBT has been found to be effective in decreasing anger, hostility, depression, the number and severity of suicidal and aggressive behaviors, as well as the number of staff disciplinary actions and staff burnout (Rizvi,

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

...Description Treatment Focus Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a system of therapy originally developed by Marsha M. Linehan, a psychology researcher at the University of Washington, to treat people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques for emotion regulation and reality testing with concepts of distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindful awareness largely derived from Buddhist meditative practice. DBT may be the first therapy that has been experimentally demonstrated to be generally effective in treating BPD. A meta-analysis found that DBT reached moderate effects. Research indicates that DBT is also effective in treating patients who present varied symptoms and behaviors associated with spectrum mood disorders, including self-injury. Recent work suggests its effectiveness with sexual abuse survivors and chemical dependency. Linehan observed "burn-out" in therapists after coping with non-motivated patients who against cooperation in successful treatment. Her first core insight was to recognize that the chronically suicidal patients she studied had been raised in profoundly invalidating environments, and, therefore, required a climate of unconditional acceptance, in which to develop a successful therapeutic alliance. Her second insight involved the need for a commensurate commitment from patients, who needed to be willing to accept their dire level of emotional dysfunction. Treatment Strategies and/or Techniques ...

Words: 2868 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Therapy Binder

...ebook THE GUILFORD PRESS DBT ® Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets Also from Marsha M. Linehan Books for Professionals Cognitive-­ ehavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder B DBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition Dialectical Behavior Therapy with Suicidal Adolescents Alec L. Miller, Jill H. Rathus, and Marsha M. Linehan Mindfulness and Acceptance: Expanding the Cognitive-­ ehavioral Tradition B Edited by Steven C. Hayes, Victoria M. Follette, and Marsha M. Linehan Videos Crisis Survival Skills, Part One: Distracting and Self-­ oothing S Crisis Survival Skills, Part Two: Improving the Moment and Pros and Cons From Suffering to Freedom: Practicing Reality Acceptance Getting a New Client Connected to DBT (Complete Series) Opposite Action: Changing Emotions You Want to Change This One Moment: Skills for Everyday Mindfulness Treating Borderline Personality Disorder: The Dialectical Approach Understanding Borderline Personality: The Dialectical Approach For more information and for DBT skills updates from the author, see her websites: www.linehaninstitute.org, http://blogs.uw.edu/brtc, and http://faculty.washington.edu/linehan/ DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets  ® Second Edition Marsha M. Linehan THE GUILFORD PRESS New York  London © 2015 Marsha M. Linehan Published by The Guilford Press A Division of Guilford Publications, Inc. 72 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012 www.guilford.com All rights...

Words: 105021 - Pages: 421

Premium Essay

Behavior Therapy

...Behavior therapy is a technique that was developed as a response to the psychoanalytical model and emphasized observable behaviors instead of the internal events or client history (Goldfried & Davidson, 1994). The theory is based upon the idea that behavior is learned and can subsequently be unlearned or modified. It is a theory that emphasizes examining current causes of behaviors rather than the individual’s history. The major contributors of this theory include Ivan Pa Both strengths and weaknesses exist when examining behavior therapy from a Christian worldview. Positive reinforcement is a technique used in behavior therapy in which a reward is remitted immediately following the desired behavior, thus creating an instant gratification environment. In the Bible, rewards and incentives are viewed on a more eternal level that comes in heaven and “transcends immediate gratification or positive reinforcement of specific behaviors now (Tan 2011).” Further, we are human beings created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27), and therefore we are not totally conditioned creatures, we do have some capacity to choose our behaviors freely. Behavior therapy has a strong focus on the client changing his or her own behaviors. From a Christian perspective, this can cause an over-dependence on one’s self and create “sinful self-sufficiency (Tan 2011).” Behavior therapy from a biblical perspective would emphasize seeking strength and sufficiency in Christ to bring about lasting...

Words: 290 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Exposure Therapy Research Paper

...Exposure Therapy and Medications Anxiety medications may facilitate the process of recovering from anxiety disorders when combined with counseling and will perform a vital role in recovery. Some individuals believe that if they just take their anxiety medication symptoms will go away, nevertheless, this is not always the case. The goal of treatment is to reclaim the optimal functioning of the individual's wellbeing for instance body and mind. In some cases, medications can facilitate the process, but medication alone may not create the change the client wants. (Elliott Ingersoll, 2016) Medications can control anxiety and/or panic attacks from and individual thinking about or being exposed to an object or situation they may fear. When working with a client that needs exposure therapy, the doctor might give the client Antidepressants, Bate Blockers, or Sedatives. Treatment depends on what phobia you are experiencing. There are three types: Agoraphobia: mainly when it's accompanied with a panic disorder, agoraphobia is typically treated with exposure therapy and/or with SSRIs. Social phobia: can be treated with exposure therapy and/or with antidepressants or beta blockers. Specific phobias: are typically treated with exposure therapy. (Sucheta Connolly, 2006)...

Words: 462 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Systematic Desensitization: Behavioral Therapy

...Systematic desensitization is a type of behavioural therapy based on the principle of classical conditioning, which is used effectively to overcome various phobias and anxiety related disorders. It is also known as ‘graduated exposure therapy’ usually happens in three steps. The first step is the identification of an anxiety/fear causing stimulus hierarchy. The second step is learning techniques to cope or relax. Few such techniques are meditation, anti-anxiety medicines, breathing exercises and cognitive reappraisal etc. After completing the first two steps successfully, the person must use them in the third step to react to and overcome situations/fears in the formed hierarchy of fears. The purpose of this process is for an individual to learn how to cope with, and overcome the fear in each step of the hierarchy of fears. Exposure can be done in two ways: In vitro – An individual imagines exposure to the phobic stimulus. In vivo – An individual is actually exposed to the phobic stimulus. I personally chose Systematic Desensitization since as per me the best way to win a battle against irrational fear is to face it head-on, but considering the negative effects of sudden exposure to the fear/anxiety causing stimuli, it’s better so go step by step. With each step of stimulus...

Words: 556 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Chance Journey

...deal with our past, present, and future. My theory is one of hope and will provide encouragement to focus on feelings and behaviors. The following research will provide an insight into Adlerian and Reality, Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, Person-Centered, Gestalt, REBT, and Existential therapy. Keywords: journey, chance, encouragement, relationships, communication Philosophical Assumptions At some point in life everyone wants to feel as though they are truly being heard and understood by others. I believe empathy is at the core of understanding and developing a relationship with the client. Elliott, Bohart, Watson, and Greenberg (2011) re-emphasize Carl Rogers’ definition of empathy as “the therapist’s sensitive ability and willingness to understand the client’s thoughts, feelings and struggles from the client’s point of view” (Elliott, Bohart, Watson, and Greenberg, p44, 2011). Once empathy and a trusting relationship are established the ideas and skills for change and acceptance can be introduced. Change is not always a welcomed entity and often brings about anxiety, stress, and conflict. In my theory I believe that hope, strength, and meaning are the building blocks for change. Artist Mary Engelbreit once said, “If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” However, in a therapy session change can only begin to spark with the cooperation and trust of...

Words: 2674 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Counsling Theory Paper

...My Counseling Theory Paper February 24, 2014 Professor: William Williams Student: Brittany J. Muzzey Muzzey 1 Counseling Setting It is my goal to become an Addiction Counselor at a long term residential program facility. Hopefully or more specifically I would like to be a Substance Abuse Counselor at The Jude House, Inc. I am currently working as a clinical assistant to all the current Substance Abuse Counselors. Population I Intend to Work With The population at the Jude House is very diverse. We have people come through our doors from all walks of life. People come from the streets, people come from jail, we have gang members, Muslims, Christians, etc. Most of our clients though are in some type of legal situation which has caused them to be there or from jail where they have to successfully complete the program in order to stay out of jail. A lot of them are scared so it makes them come across as resentful or angry. I’ve learned to adapt to these situations and look beyond the negative attitudes to the real root of the problem. Showing these ladies and gentlemen that someone actually does care and understand turns most of their attitudes around fast. Show them compassion and they start to open up and trust (if they’re ready to get better). If the client is not ready to admit he/she has a substance abuse problem though their attitude will not change. Unfortunately these clients usually do not make it through the program the first time they are there...

Words: 1740 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Positive Psychology Experiment Outline

...Record beliefs which will be based on interpretations of habitual thinking style in response to the event. 3. Consequences: Record the results of what the beliefs motivate on resulting actions or mindset and the emotional and behavioral consequences. 4. Disputation: Challenge beliefs and change consequences by promoting optimistic thoughts as opposed to any negative habitual thinking by analyzing the evidence that the negative beliefs are incorrect; look for alternative ways to look at the problem; determine the implications and impact on goals or life in general or in the long run; and question the usefulness of the beliefs. 5. Effect (New): Promote positivity and optimism by disputing negative responses, emotions, and behaviors, and looking for new effective ones to replace them. III. Expectation(s): By conducting this experiment, the expected results are the positive...

Words: 448 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Re: Hello Class

...In his new York times essay “where sweatshops are dream” writer Nicholas D. Kristof makes a number of points regarding what he sees as an adverse effect of labor standards compliance on the economic development of low-income countries that we feel require some clarification and comment. His purpose in this essay is to let people know that sweatshops can help people. Kristof assumes his readers are Americans that are repulsed by the idea of importing products made by barely paid barely legal workers in dangerous factories. By establishing his credibility, building his case slowly, and appealing to both logic and emotions, Kristof succeeds in writing effective argument. Most of us think that we make our decisions based on rational thought. However, Aristotle points out that emotions such as anger, pity, fear, and their opposites, powerfully influence our rational judgments. Due to this fact, much of our political discourse and much of the advertising we experience is directed toward moving our emotions. Kristof appeals to pathos by using words or images designed to move readers and appeal to the reader’s emotion. Emotional appeals can use sources such as interviews and individual stories to paint a more legitimate and moving picture of reality or illuminate the truth. “The miasma of toxic stink leaves you gasping, breezes batter you with filth, and even the rats look forlorn.” “Many families actually live in shacks on this smoking garbage.” This examples show how Kristof creates...

Words: 317 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (Rebt)

...Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT): Week 3 Assignment Lamar University Individual Counseling Theories CNDV 5311 Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy Rational Emotive Behavioral (REBT) theory was developed by Albert Ellis in the 1950’s. It is the first of the cognitive therapies and is considered a comprehensive theory of human behavior. The premise of REBT is that people contribute to their own psychological problems based on their firm beliefs that they maintain about situations and events. The thought is that our emotions come from our beliefs. Our beliefs are what influence how we construe events and ultimately can serve as a directive on how we respond to situations. Basic Concepts According to readings, humans have a capacity for happiness and growth; they also have a capacity for self-destructive behaviors. These are considered rational and irrational thought processes. While REBT’s premise is that people contribute to their own psychological problems, this therapy form does acknowledge that a client’s biological make up may also be a contributing factor to certain behavior and it is something that needs to be considered in the clients’ assessment. REBT’s objective is to get clients to a point of acceptance of themselves which includes accepting imperfections in themselves. In other words, they assist clients to begin to change their thoughts. The ABC (DEF) of the Feelings and Behaviors of clients is central framework to the theory and practice...

Words: 1228 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Looking in

...Looking In I agree that I can read other people emotions. As a leader in the military this skill is a must. You have to have the pulse of your unit, you have to be able to see that your soldier(s) are having a problem. I agree that I can easily perceive and expression my emotions, however there is always room for improvement. I will continue to “read” people and try to assist them in any way I can. We all need help at one time or another even if it’s just talking to someone to get something off ones chest. I will start working on my lack of patience sometimes. I will stop, assess the situation and make a rational decision. I do from time to time have a lack of patience and this is an area that I will continue to seek self-improvement on. This self assessment will assist me in the work place because it shows me I have the ability to perceiving and identifying other emotions. By having this ability it will allow me to be a better member of the team. If I have a co-worker that is easily annoyed by something, I will pick up on that and I can adjust my approach on working with him/her to avoid conflicts. By implementing this assessment into my work place it will also let me know who I can express emotion too and know how certain people will respond to a show of emotions. I can also use this tool to understand how I will react in certain situations and how I can respond to conflict or adversity. Interpersonal communication is the process of sending and receiving information between...

Words: 383 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Child Abuse and Neglect

...Abstract This paper gives the following: effective interviewing skills related to children and teens coping with child abuse and neglect and an in-depth discussion of a specific evidenced-based intervention theory to use with either children or teens that have experienced child abuse. The child abuse and neglect paper that I used for my assessment is the Sandra Horton case. The Horton family has many emotional, mental, and physical issues. The primary caregiver is Michelle Horton, a 40 year old- Caucasian, Sandra Father Brad (truck driver), is not involved- Sandra’s father, Todd (married banker) is not involved- Jenny’s father. The children involved are Sandra Horton -15 year old Jenny Horton 10 year old-Caucasian. The case was presented by the school counselor. The counselor tells me that Sandra stated that “mama tied me to the deck with chains last night to stop me from going out again with my boyfriend”. Sandra also said she and her sister “stay alone at night” because their mother, Michelle, works the third shift as an attendant at a service station. The counselor also reports that Sandra is attendant at a service station. As a Senior Social Worker at DHR assigned to the Horton case intervention, the main role I would play is case manager. Case managers are involved in locating services and assisting their clients to access those services. Case management is especially important for complex situations that involve clients who are homeless or elderly...

Words: 941 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Personal Model of Helping

...sufficient helper. I will explain why I formed my viewpoint from each of the theories I have selected, identify strengths further limitations, and again discuss multicultural issues. The first theory I am going to cover in my diagram of helping is the Adlerian theory. I am not to say that I would put an emphasis on social interests but feel that having an understanding of others outside oneself is a weighty angle of developing wisdom about interconnectedness within one's environment. I also believe family order needs to be considered, because at times, roles are assigned also “reinforced by societal norms “(Cicirelli, 1994). Family constellation needs to personify considered, seeing the conditions within a family unit can affect behavior development and personality (Merriam - Webster, Incorporated, 2010). Forgiving a client’s former influences often helps notice details that are not completely apparent during treatment. In that example, when a client experiences childhood scorn, his or her view of the world may be unfriendly and cold (Perrott, 2003). Isolation should unearth who a client feels he or she and who he or she would like to become. Per the Adlerian theory, my role as sponsor would be to establish rapport with the client, evaluate the client ' s circumstances, and use modeling to encourage the client...

Words: 1901 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Congitive Behavorial Therapy

...behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do, or behavioral modification techniques and verbal interventions that are used on clients to alter their maladaptive thinking. It is a short term and goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. Its goal is to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people’s difficulties, and so change the way they feel Cognitive behavioral therapy is a general term used to classify similar therapies. These therapies include Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Rational Behavior Therapy, Rational Living Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and Dialectic Behavior Therapy. It can be used on a various types of disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and addiction. History In the 1960’s psychiatrist Aaron Beck came up with the idea that his patients were having internal dialogue going on in their minds. The patient would only report a fraction of what was being thought to the therapist. Beck realized that the connection between thoughts and feelings were an important connection. That’s when he created the term automatic thoughts. Automatic thoughts are emotion filled thoughts that might pop up in the mind. Clients were not always aware of the thoughts but could learn to identify and describe them. The reason why Beck called it Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is because...

Words: 290 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Care or Not

...Many people believe that people must be emotional to do better work. This is understandable. After all, there are a few outstanding stories about passionate individuals the persisted throughout obstacles. However, in general, It is actually better to remain reserved. Since a clear and rational mind will support better decision-making, it is much better to remain emotionally detached. Firstly, this concept is portrayed in Warren Buffett's life. Now famous investor, Buffett once made a few mistakes in his early investing career. For instance, Buffett continues to regret his investment in a small airline company. Spurred by deregulation, many entrepreneurial airline companies entered the market. Both entrepreneurs and investors were excited at the prospect of earning exorbitant sums of money, and Buffett was no different. Spotting a small and relatively cheap airline company, the excited Buffett immediately invested. Unfortunately, soon after The company began to do worse and eventually filed for bankruptcy. Buffett lost all of his investment because he quickly made the decision to the invest based on his emotions. Therefore, it is not beneficial to let emotions affect judgment. Furthermore, that it is better to remain detached is a common theme exemplified throughout literature. For example, in the Hunger Games, Katniss is distracted by her confusion at her emotions for Peeta. In the first case, just before the start of the game, Katniss catches the eye of Peeta, and she tries...

Words: 503 - Pages: 3