Dialectical Behavioural therapy is intended to treat conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder. The treatment consists of one-to-one and
group sessions, once weekly. During the individual meetings the therapist and client discuss in depth, a problematic event of the week. Group work involves the teaching of
Mindfulness skills that are intended to help patients deal with challenging situations or events.
History
Dialectical Behaviour therapy was developed by Seattle psychologist
Marsha M Linehan. Her intention was to provide a useful method of helping BPD sufferers who were difficult to treat. After successful trials and studies, the approach was approved for use by the American Psychotherapy Association. It is now an accepted form of treatment for BPD and has workshops throughout the US and Europe.
Approach
Dialectical Behavioural therapy is influenced by Behaviourist and
Cognitive theory. It consists of four modules, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance and emotional regulation. It is a
here and now type of therapy with strong emphasis placed on problem solving, and possesses elements of behavioural modification.
How can it help?
Although primarily intended for Borderline Personality Disorder, Dialectical Behaviour therapy is used to treat other problems such as
eating disorders. Many Dialectical therapy practitioners believe it has a wider relevance and can be used to encourage people to gain insight into their behaviour, and provide motivation to change it.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy resources
Marsh M Linehan
National Institute For Mental Health
