DBT Therapy 

1. What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of treatment. It combines traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices.

2. What conditions does DBT treat?

DBT was originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder but has since been effective for treating depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

3. How does DBT help with emotional regulation?

DBT provides specific skills like mindfulness and distress tolerance to help individuals understand and manage their emotions more effectively.

4. Can DBT help with anxiety?

Yes, the skills learned in DBT, particularly within the mindfulness and distress tolerance modules, can be very effective for managing anxiety.

5. What is mindfulness, and how is it used in DBT?

Mindfulness in DBT involves being fully present in the moment, aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment, which can help reduce impulsivity and emotional distress.

6. What are the stages of DBT?

DBT typically unfolds in four stages: (1) achieving behavioral control, (2) exploring past traumatic experiences, (3) finding self-acceptance, and (4) promoting joy and connection.

7. How long does a typical DBT program last?

DBT programs often last about 6 months to 1 year, but the duration can vary depending on the individual’s progress and specific needs.

8. Is there homework in DBT?

Yes, homework assignments are a core part of DBT, as they help clients practice and integrate the skills they learn into their daily lives.

9. What is a DBT diary card?

A DBT diary card is a tracking sheet that clients use daily to monitor their emotions, urges, behavior, and skill use.

10. Are there individual sessions in DBT, or is it only group therapy?

Your DBT treatment plan may include both individual therapy sessions and group skills training, the DBT assessment will formulate the the most helpful package for you.

11. How often are DBT sessions held?

DBT usually involves one group skills training session per week and if needed additional 121 sessions.

12. What can I expect from a DBT skills group?

In a DBT skills group, clients learn and practice new behavioral skills together, guided by a trained DBT therapist.

13. What if I’m in a crisis? Does DBT offer support?

DBT London provides crisis coaching from 08:00 till 20:00 to help manage acute distress and prevent self-harm.

14. Can I do DBT if I’m already taking medication for my mental health?

DBT can complement pharmacotherapy, but it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider.

15. What is the ‘dialectical’ part of DBT?

The term ‘dialectical’ refers to the process of synthesizing opposite concepts (like acceptance and change) to find balance.

16. How is progress measured in DBT?

Progress in DBT is measured through regular assessments of symptom severity and by tracking skill acquisition and application.

17. Can family members be involved in the DBT process?

Yes, DBT can include family therapy sessions or family skills training to enhance support and communication.

18. What’s the difference between DBT and CBT?

While CBT focuses on changing unhelpful thinking and behavior, DBT also incorporates acceptance and mindfulness strategies.

19. Will my insurance cover DBT?

Coverage for DBT varies by provider and plan. Please note that we can only accept insurance for our daycare programme at the Nightingale Hospital. The online skills group is self fund only.

20. How do I start DBT at DBT London?

To begin DBT at DBT London, you can contact us via our website or phone to schedule an initial consultation.

Case Study: John’s Transformation Through DBT Therapy

Background:

John, a 34-year-old IT professional, had been struggling with chronic anxiety and episodes of intense anger that were affecting both his work performance and personal relationships. His difficulty in managing stress and sudden mood swings made it hard for him to maintain a stable work environment and social life. After a particularly distressful incident at work that nearly cost him his job, John decided to seek help. Upon recommendation, he turned to DBT therapy.

Introduction to DBT Therapy:

John was introduced to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) by his therapist, who explained that this approach was particularly effective for individuals struggling to manage intense emotions. DBT therapy is structured to provide patients with new skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships.

The Process:

John’s DBT therapy was organized into weekly sessions that covered the four key modules of DBT: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

1. Mindfulness: John learned to observe and describe his thoughts and feelings without judgment, helping him gain awareness and a better understanding of his reactions to certain situations.
2. Distress Tolerance: Rather than attempting to escape or ignore distressing emotions, John was taught techniques to accept and tolerate discomfort in a healthier way.
3. Emotion Regulation: This module provided him with strategies to manage and change intense emotions that were causing problems in his life.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: John developed skills to communicate more effectively with others, assert his needs, and handle conflicts with more confidence and less hostility.

Challenges and Overcoming Them:

Initially, John found the practice of mindfulness particularly challenging, as his mind would often wander to stressful thoughts. However, with persistent practice and guidance from his DBT therapist, he gradually improved. Distress tolerance strategies were pivotal during high-pressure situations at work, helping him manage his emotional responses more effectively.

Results:

After several months of DBT therapy, John reported significant improvements:

• Reduced Anxiety: He noticed a substantial decrease in his daily anxiety levels and found himself more composed during stressful situations.
• Improved Relationships: With better communication skills and reduced reactivity, John was able to rebuild strained relationships and felt more connected to his colleagues and family.
• Enhanced Job Performance: His increased ability to regulate his emotions and remain calm under pressure led to a noticeable improvement in his professional life.

Conclusion:

John’s case is a testament to the effectiveness of DBT therapy in managing not just borderline personality disorder, as it was originally intended, but also other emotional dysregulation issues like anxiety and anger. His journey highlights the transformative potential of DBT when fully embraced and applied in everyday challenges.

Reflection:

This case study serves as a powerful example of how DBT therapy can significantly alter an individual’s ability to handle emotional challenges, leading to improved overall functioning and quality of life.

DBT Therapy Skills

DBT therapy, a variant of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), embodies the fusion of acceptance and change, aiming to instill mindfulness, enhance emotional regulation, and foster healthier relationships. Initially conceptualized to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), DBT therapy has metamorphosed into a holistic approach addressing a range of mental health conditions including eating disorders, substance use disorders, and PTSD[1][2].

Core Mindfulness

Core Mindfulness: Engages individuals in the present, encouraging a non-judgmental perception of their inner and outer worlds[4]. You can experience this by engaging in our mindfulness exercises, which guide you to focus on your breathing patterns, fostering a serene mental state.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal Effectiveness: Aims to bolster assertiveness in relationships, fostering positive and healthy interactions. Explore our resources on interpersonal effectiveness to hone your communication and relationship-building skills.