Dialectical behavior therapy, also known as DBT, is a form of psychotherapy that is founded on the principals of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Psychologist Marsha M. Linehan developed DBT in the late 1980s as a means to help better treat chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Although touched upon in cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT places primary emphasis on the psychosocial aspects of treatment. DBT combines standard CBT techniques for emotional regulation and reality testing with concepts derived from Buddhist meditative practice such as awareness, mindfulness and attentiveness to current situations and emotional experiences to encourage acceptance. 

In this episode, I interview Daina Haines, MA, LCSW, who facilitates DBT therapy groups at Tri-State DBT Associates in Medford, New Jersey.

Questions answered and topics discussed in this episode:

■ How dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help people with BPD

■ What is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)?

■ What does research say about DBT?

■ What can you expect from DBT?

■ The concept of “wise mind” in DBT (explaining wise mind, rational mind and emotion mind)

■ BPD and suicide (chronic suicidal ideation as a symptom of borderline personality disorder)

■ The “quiet BPD” subtype (the internalizing and externalizing structure of mental disorders)

■ BPD anger (how to respond to BPD anger)

■ Radical acceptance in DBT (accepting reality using DBT skills)

■ Distress tolerance skills in DBT (willingness vs. willfulness)

■ BPD, manipulation and attention-seeking behaviors (busting common BPD myths)

■ Can BPD be “cured”?

■ What does BPD recovery look like? (Exploring prognosis and recovery stages)

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Disclaimer: information contained in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

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