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Learn DBT Skills In A Group
Weekly sessions are available. Grouport offers therapist-led dialectical behavior therapy skills groups online. The first 12 weeks covers fundamental DBT skills.
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As the field of psychology grows and evolves, one therapeutic approach that has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating certain psychological disorders is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Initially developed to help individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, it has since been applied to treat various mental health conditions.
In psychology, Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques for emotion regulation with concepts of mindful awareness, distress tolerance, and acceptance. The term "dialectical" refers to finding a balance and synthesis between two opposing positions or desires, often the desire for acceptance and change.
Psychologist Marsha Linehan developed DBT in the late 1980s to provide a therapy that could help individuals struggling with severe emotion dysregulation, self-destructive behaviors, and suicidal thoughts. The ultimate goal of DBT is to help individuals build a life they feel is worth living.
DBT has several core components, each designed to address specific aspects of emotional dysregulation. The first component is skills training, which is typically conducted in a group setting and focuses on four key areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware and present at the moment non-judgmentally. It is the foundational skill from which the others are built. Emotion regulation involves understanding and managing emotions to decrease emotional reactivity. Distress tolerance is focused on accepting, finding meaning in, and tolerating pain under challenging situations, instead of trying to escape from it. Interpersonal effectiveness includes techniques that allow a person to communicate assertively, maintain self-respect, and strengthen relationships.
The second component of DBT is individual therapy, where the therapist and patient work together to apply the skills learned in training to specific challenges and events in the patient's life.
The third component is phone coaching, where patients can call their therapist outside of regular sessions for guidance on coping with difficult situations as they arise in real-time.
The last component is the therapist consultation team, designed to support and help therapists stay motivated and competent in treating often severely disordered and complex clients.
DBT is particularly effective for people with borderline personality disorder, characterized by unstable emotions, behavior, and relationships. Research has shown that DBT reduces self-harming behaviors and hospitalizations and improves overall functioning.
In addition to its effectiveness in treating borderline personality disorder, DBT has also been adapted for and found beneficial in treating a range of other psychological disorders, including eating disorders, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression.
While the process of DBT can be intense, its emphasis on balance, acceptance, and change provides a unique and robust framework for individuals seeking to manage their emotions, build stronger relationships, and lead a happier, more fulfilling life.
Psychological treatment has come a long way from its inception. Among the many evolved therapies, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cornerstone for individuals struggling with emotion dysregulation. This therapeutic approach is lauded for its effectiveness and its wide application range.
Marsha M. Linehan, a psychologist at the University of Washington, developed Dialectical Behavior Therapy in the late 1980s. She observed that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), though effective for many conditions, had limitations for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and chronic suicidality. This led her to the development of DBT, the first therapy that proved effective in controlled trials for patients with BPD.
Linehan herself had suffered from mental health challenges in her early adulthood. After her recovery, she pursued psychology and integrated her experiences into creating DBT. She blended elements from different therapy types, including CBT, Buddhist meditative practices, and behaviorism, to construct a new form of therapy. It's worth noting that Linehan's lived experience and academic background were pivotal in the inception of this therapy.
In its early years, DBT was specifically aimed at treating BPD and chronic suicidality. BPD is characterized by pervasive instability in moods, behaviors, self-image, and functioning. Patients often display self-harming behaviors and suicidal tendencies. In its initial trials, DBT successfully reduced these behaviors and improved patient functioning.
DBT's effectiveness wasn't unnoticed by the broader psychological community. The approach gained recognition as it started being included in guidelines for treating BPD by esteemed organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association.
Over time, researchers began exploring the efficacy of DBT for other mental health disorders. They found that the principles of DBT could benefit a broad range of conditions beyond BPD, including substance use disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders.
Today, DBT is widely practiced globally, and its principles are applied in various therapeutic settings, including individual therapy, group skills training, and even self-help formats. It has been adapted for different age groups, cultural contexts, and delivery formats, proving its versatility and effectiveness.
The story of Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a testament to the importance of constant evolution in psychology. It is a shining example of how empathy, lived experience, and academic exploration can merge to form a powerful tool for healing and growth.
Want to practice dialectical behavior therapy in a supportive group setting? The Grouport DBT series by Grouport Therapy offers a 12-week program that can help you develop new skills to replace negative behaviors and emotions.
Our group meets once a week at a scheduled time, and you'll receive access to session links via email after enrolling and paying for the program. By joining our DBT skills group, you can improve relationships, manage anxiety, and reduce emotional suffering, regaining hope for the future.
Don't hesitate to take the first step towards a better life. Our next session is waiting for you. Join our Grouport DBT series today and start improving your mental health alongside a supportive group of individuals.
We offer DBT group therapy online to improve emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, & interpersonal skills. Get effective and affordable treatment.
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