Types of DBT

Therapists typically use three different settings when working with DBT patients. Each form of therapy focuses on providing the patient with a holistic treatment experience and optimal healing.

In the first type, the therapist works with the patient in an individual therapy setting. In the second type, they work in-group with multiple patients. These group sessions offer a classroom-like environment where patients learn specific techniques. All patients then participate in roleplaying to learn to integrate the techniques into their daily life.

Finally, patients are also allowed to get in touch with their therapists via phone consultation. They can consult with their therapist any time they feel stressed or triggered.

Can DBT be Done through Telehealth?

Yes, it is possible to receive DBT through Telehealth. Teletherapy is a component of Telehealth that allows mental health professionals to conduct sessions with their patients without them being physically present at the facility.

Faithful Love offers the option of Teletherapy for all patients seeking Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Just because you’re at home and can’t visit the therapist’s office doesn’t mean that your treatment should be interrupted. To get more information about the procedure or to find out what you need for a Teletherapy session, contact us NOW!

Disorders Treated by DBT

While DBT was initially used as a treatment option for bipolar disorder, it is now used to treat patients with a variety of mental health disorders. That being said, the therapy works best for people with self-destructive tendencies.

Here is a list of mental health issues that can be treated with DBT.

Borderline Personality Disorder

DBT has become the go-to option for bipolar patients. 80 percent of patients dealing with BPD who opted for DBT experienced a significant improvement in their condition and they no longer qualified for its diagnosis.

Eating Disorders

Since DBT helps a lot with destructive behaviors, it is often used as an effective tool to help patients fight eating disorders. Did you know that a whopping 89 percent of women with some kind of an eating disorder or binge eating disorder ended up quitting harmful binging behaviors after DBT? Therapists specifically adapt DBT techniques when working with these types of patients.

Substance Abuse and Other

DBT is also beneficial for people struggling with substance abuse and issues as well as patients with impulse control disorder. In severe cases, this form of psychotherapy may help save the lives of patients. DBT therapists use dialect precepts to treat substance abuse and teach abstinence from substances to patients.

PTSD

Patients with PTSD find it challenging to accept the trauma that changed their lives. Therapists use DBT techniques to teach these individuals to accept themselves as they are, give themselves some space, and come to terms with the past. It has also been seen that DBT helps reduce flashbacks and regulate emotions after a traumatic event.

DBT – Helping with Complexity

DBT is often the best course of treatment for patients struggling with complex illnesses. It is also a top choice of patients who have tried other forms of therapy but failed. Therapy and medication can be combined but it will likely only help with one issue. It is not viable if the patient has complex issues. DBT offers a holistic way to cater to complicated mental health issues.

For Patients Who Have Tried Everything

Trying multiple therapies only to see them all fail can quickly become emotionally exhausting and frustrating for patients. It may ultimately make them feel hopeless. These patients may benefit from the holistic approach of DBT. It will be gratifying to see the adaptable techniques helping them in ways other therapies could not.

Those with Multiple Disorders

DBT works wonders for treating patients with multiple mental health disorders. Thanks to the adaptability of DBT, it can identify and treat the root cause of the problem for numerous disorders. For example, a bipolar patient and an individual may have poor emotional regulation. DBT helps patients address the interpersonal deficits caused by poor emotional regulation due to BPD and drinking.

For Those Who Have Lost Hope

Almost all patients who deal with mental health problems may feel worn out or have low self-esteem. They may even think that they don’t deserve to seek and go into treatment.

DBT serves as a viable alternative for patients who have lost all hopes in treatment. This structured intervention provides patients with a clear path to healing. Another excellent thing about DBT is that it provides the patients with the required tools immediately, giving them hope early on in the process.

Preparing For DBT

Preparing for a DBT session for the first time may seem overwhelming. Opting for a new and unknown experience may make some patients anxious. On top of that, the fact that DBT warrants patience, dedication and a good deal of work may not help either. The best way to prepare for a DBT session is by understanding what the therapy involves.

Below are a few tips to help you get through the process:

Keeping an Open Mind

Some patients may be nervous about taking their first DBT session while others may have experienced disappointments with therapy in the past. If you have any doubts about the treatment, you must remind yourself that it is a proven modality backed by scientific research. Several patients have been treated by DBT. Make sure you understand this and go to the therapy session with an open mind about the process. It will help ensure that you start off on the right foot.

Have Questions Ready

Keeping an open mind about DBT doesn’t mean you can’t ask questions. Make a list of any questions you’d like to ask your therapist and get done with them before your first meeting. Your therapist will help clear any confusion you have in mind regarding the therapy and walk you down the entire process to help you manage the challenges that might come up.

You may consider asking the following questions:

• How many sessions will there be in a month?
• What can I expect for group therapy sessions?
• In case of an emergency, what number should I call?

Be Yourself

Finally, try to be your genuine self when you meet your therapist. The key to enjoying the best results of DBT is to be honest. It will allow your therapist to know you better and tap into your thoughts and feelings efficiently.

We understand that opening up in a therapy session can be scary and overwhelming. Your therapist may ask a few probing questions and perhaps catch you off-guard at some point or another. It might make you feel vulnerable but you must remember that your therapist won’t ever judge or make fun of you. They are there to help you deal with the symptoms of your disorder and push you on the road to eternal health and wellness. They will understand that your symptoms don’t define who you are or what you do.