What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and how does it work?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach that can be used to address a range of issues. It emphasises a nonjudgmental and validating approach to clients.

It has grown in popularity due to its structured approach to emotional regulation, interpersonal skills development, and managing distress.

This article will explore this approach and its effectiveness in enhancing mental health outcomes.

What is DBT?

DBT refers to Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Tracing its roots in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), it was developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan as a treatment for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in the 1980s.

It has, thereafter, been used more extensively for various mental health conditions. It is said to be most effective for people experiencing intense emotional moods, impulsivity and challenges in interpersonal relationships.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive view of Dialectical Behavior Therapy principles, various techniques, and effectiveness.

Acceptance and change are core concepts, and the therapy revolves around helping the client understand how these seemingly opposing concepts can be true and can be achieved together. In fact, the term ‘dialectical’ refers to the concept of combining opposite ideas. As such, this approach focuses on helping clients to accept themselves and their situation while at the same time encouraging clients to work on changing their unhelpful behaviours.

What does it treat?

It is now commonly used as an evidence-based treatment for the mental health conditions listed below, particularly when the client is struggling with intense emotions and finds it challenging to manage distressing situations in a healthy way.

These conditions are:

Duration and Process of DBT Treatment

Although the implementation can vary by therapist style and preferences, there is generally a pre-assessment before beginning DBT to assess suitability.

Thereafter, clients attend weekly individual sessions with the DBT therapist.

Therapists also invite clients to group sessions where they are taught essential DBT skills such as mindfulness, tolerance to distress, effectively building interpersonal relationships, and regulating emotions.

Lastly, there are also coaching sessions via the phone where patients may speak to therapists in between the weekly sessions for support on coping with difficult situations in daily life.

In addition to these four processes in DBT, clients are also regularly assigned homework.

* Given its intensive nature, DBT requires a commitment from both the therapist and the client.

Six Main Points of Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT can be thought of as having six primary components.

  •   Mindfulness – focusing on the present and building awareness without judgement
  •   Distress tolerance – learning to cope with moments of intense distress
  •   Emotional regulation – understanding and managing emotions in a healthy manner
  •   Interpersonal effectiveness – building healthier, effective relationships
  •   Walking the middle path – learning to avoid black-and-white thinking and developing a balanced view of situations

Techniques

Some of the techniques employed in DBT are:

  • Cognitive-behavioral techniques – techniques that focus on identifying and reframing dysfunctional thoughts
  • Validation strategies – the therapist works with you to ensure you are heard, reducing distress from underlying shame and other emotions and helping you accept your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
  • Dialectical strategies – techniques that teach you to truly accept your feelings, thoughts and behaviours to the current situation without judgement while also learning to work constructively towards changing the situation
  • Behavioral techniques – employing techniques such as shaping where the therapist provides positive reinforcement as the client works towards desired behaviours and controlled exposure to fearful situations
  • Skills training – helping clients learn the required skills (outlined above as the components of DBT) to cope with difficult emotions and situations while reducing undesired behaviours.

How do I find a DBT therapist in Singapore?

If you are interested in finding a DBT therapist in Singapore, the Psychology Blossom Clinic is here to help.

Our team is committed to providing a high-quality, tailored and effective therapeutic experience. We will ensure clients receive ongoing support and guidance from our team throughout their therapeutic journey.

 

Everyone deserves to blossom, this includes you too.

 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards improved mental health.

Contact Information:

150 Cecil Street #07-02
Wing on Life Building
Singapore 069543

Message: +65 8800 0554

Phone: +65 8686 8592

[email protected]

Find our therapists here.