APC: An Introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy - Melanie Harned, PhD, ABPP-Intro to DBT slides

Intro to DBT slides

Pdf Summary

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a treatment approach designed for patients who are highly suicidal, have severe, multi-diagnostic, and difficult-to-treat conditions. It was initially developed in the 1980s to address the challenges of applying standard treatments to this patient population. DBT employs a dialectical approach, balancing acceptance and change strategies. It consists of several treatment modes, including skills training, individual therapy, telephone coaching, and therapist consultation team. The core strategies used in DBT include problem-solving and validation. <br /><br />Skills training in DBT focuses on enhancing capabilities and includes modules on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The therapy is structured in a six-month treatment cycle, with each module lasting a specific duration. The primary targets in individual therapy are to decrease life-threatening and therapy-interfering behavior while improving quality of life and behavioral skills. <br /><br />Phone coaching is an essential component of DBT and aims to support clients in implementing solutions learned in therapy sessions outside of therapy. Therapist support and client self-reliance are balanced through phone coaching. The therapist consultation team provides support and assistance to therapists in adhering to DBT principles and tracking client progress. <br /><br />Problem-solving in DBT involves obtaining client commitment and troubleshooting obstacles to successful implementation of solutions. Validation is a crucial aspect of engaging clients in therapy and involves accurately reflecting and articulating their emotions, thoughts, and behavior patterns. Validation is not about agreeing or approving but rather about acknowledging and understanding the client's experiences.<br /><br />DBT can also be adapted for substance use disorders (DBT-SUD). In this adaptation, emotion dysregulation is viewed as the core problem contributing to substance use, and the treatment focuses on integrating substance use treatment with mental health treatment. DBT-SUD includes modifying treatment targets to prioritize substance use, adding addiction skills, and using special attachment strategies.<br /><br />DBT is supported by numerous controlled and uncontrolled trials, and its efficacy has been demonstrated in treating various mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder and substance use disorders.

Keywords

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT

suicidal patients

multi-diagnostic conditions

acceptance and change strategies

skills training

phone coaching

problem-solving

validation

substance use disorders

	The content on this site is intended solely to inform and educate medical professionals. This site shall not be used for medical advice and is not a substitute for the advice or treatment of a qualified medical professional.		400 Massasoit Avenue Suite 307 East Providence, RI 02914 cmecpd@aaap.org	About Advocacy Membership Fellowship Education and Resources Training Events