There is some evidence to suggest 121 DBT sessions alonside DBT skills groups may offer better outcomes
The evidence for 121 and skills groups, the ‘Full Programme’
There is some evidence to suggest that DBT 121 sessions alongside DBT skills groups may provide better outcomes than DBT skills groups alone. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
One study, published in the journal Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice in 2012, found that participants who received both DBT 121 sessions and DBT skills groups showed greater improvements in distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and mindfulness than those who received DBT skills groups alone.
Another study, published in the journal Behavior Therapy in 2014, found that participants who received both DBT 121 sessions and DBT skills groups were more likely to complete the skills group program and to show improvements in their symptoms than those who received DBT skills groups alone.
However, it is important to note that both of these studies were relatively small and more research is needed to confirm their findings. Additionally, it is important to consider the individual needs of each client when deciding whether or not to recommend DBT 121 sessions in addition to DBT skills groups.
Some of the potential benefits of receiving DBT 121 sessions in addition to DBT skills groups include:
- More individualized attention and support
- The opportunity to work on specific problems or challenges in more depth
- The ability to learn skills at a pace that is right for you
- The opportunity to develop a stronger relationship with your therapist
However, it is also important to consider the potential costs of receiving DBT 121 sessions, such as the increased cost and time commitment.
Overall, the evidence for DBT 121 sessions alongside DBT skills groups providing better outcomes than DBT skills groups alone is mixed. More research is needed to confirm these findings. However, there are some potential benefits to receiving DBT 121 sessions in addition to DBT skills groups, such as more individualized attention and support. The decision of whether or not to recommend DBT 121 sessions should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual needs of each client.
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Harnessing the Power of DBT 121 Sessions
In Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), 121 sessions, also known as individual therapy sessions, are one of the core components of the treatment. The primary aim is to generalise skills learned in skills training groups to the individual’s day-to-day life, manage and decrease self-destructive behaviours, and address specific challenges and obstacles. Below is an outline of what usually happens in a DBT individual session:
1. Agenda Setting:
- Priority Setting: At the beginning of each session, the therapist and the individual collaboratively set an agenda. High-priority targets such as life-threatening behaviours, therapy-interfering behaviours, and quality-of-life interfering behaviours are addressed first.
- Check-in: Review of the individual’s week, including experiences, thoughts, behaviours, and any crises that occurred.
2. Behaviour Chain Analysis:
- Identifying Problem Behaviours: Detailed examination of specific problematic behaviours, including the events leading up to it, thoughts, feelings, and subsequent actions.
- Coping Analysis: Identifying effective coping strategies and alternative solutions.
3. Skill Generalisation:
- Skills Application: The therapist helps the individual apply DBT skills to specific situations and challenges encountered since the last session.
- Homework Review: Discussing and reviewing the homework assigned in the skills training group, focusing on the application and generalisation of learned skills.
4. Target Behaviours:
- Addressing Priority Targets: The therapist and individual work on addressing and modifying target behaviours, such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, or other behaviours interfering with the individual’s quality of life.
- Goal Setting: Establishing and working towards personalised treatment goals related to enhancing quality of life.
5. Validation and Change Strategies:
- Balancing Acceptance and Change: The therapist employs strategies to validate the individual’s experiences while also encouraging behavioural change.
- Cognitive Restructuring: Addressing and modifying maladaptive thoughts and beliefs.
6. Homework Assignment:
- Skills Practice: Assigning specific skills for the individual to practise before the next session, based on the issues addressed in the current session.
- Behavioural Assignments: May include exposure to feared situations, practising new behaviours, or applying coping skills.
7. Feedback and Collaboration:
- Therapeutic Relationship: Ongoing discussion about the therapeutic relationship and any issues or concerns with the therapy process.
- Mutual Feedback: Both therapist and individual provide feedback on the session and collaborate on making any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Closing:
- Summary and Plan: The therapist summarises the key points of the session and collaboratively develops a plan for the coming week, focusing on applying learned skills and addressing specific challenges.
Individual therapy sessions in DBT are structured yet flexible, focusing on the unique needs and goals of the individual while maintaining adherence to the DBT model. The therapist’s role is to maintain a balance between accepting and validating the client’s experiences and pushing for change and skill development.
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