What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
DBT is a cognitive-behavioral treatment with two components: individual therapy and weekly group skills training: The individual treatment focuses on target behaviors which the patient tracks on a daily basis using diary cards. Suicidal and self-mutilating behaviors are at the top of the hierarchy and are examined each week. Behavioral analyses of suicidal and self-mutilating acts take place routinely in order to help the patient identify triggers and alternative strategies for coping. Change strategies such as problem solving and reinforcement techniques are utilized in combination with acceptance and validation of the patient’s experience. Group skills training consists of a combination of teaching new skills to patients and having them practice the skills the skills through homework assignments. These skills include: awareness of emotions and reactions, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. 2. How often are my therapy sessions? One hour therapy ses
