DBT is an intensive research based, out-patient program that has been proven effective for people who have not found adequate relief from complex mental health issues. DBT has provided hope for those suffering from issues related to emotional and behavioral dyscontrol. Originally, the program was designed by Marsha Linehan, PhD., for those with borderline personality disorder. However, research has shown that people with other mental and chemical health difficulties have also responded well to this program (i.e. depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders). Our outpatient program is proven effective for individuals with complex mental health issues. LDR’s DBT program is certified by the State of Minnesota and is adherent to Marsha Linehan’s evidence-based model. The treatment is time-limited and includes individual and group sessions.
Typical Issues include:
- Intense, out of control emotions
- Chaotic, unstable relationships
- Impulsive and self destructive behavior, including self injurious and suicidal.
- Substance use disorders.
DBT Program
DBT is a time limited program. It includes one year of therapy that provides multiple treatment components:
1.) Weekly Skills Training: This is an educational component that focuses on teaching specific skills to address interpersonal problems, unmanageable emotions and difficulty tolerating emotional distress. Each unit is listed below:
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Increases ability to meet our needs and self respect while preserving or enhancing relationships.
- Distress Tolerance: Improves ability to handle distressing situations that we cannot change in healthier ways.
- Emotional Regulation: Involves experiencing emotions in healthy, functional ways that is life affirming.
- Mindfulness: It is a distinctive, vital and integral part of the treatment. It is a skill in and of itself while also needed to implement the skills in each unit mentioned above.
2.) Weekly Individual Therapy: This is the vehicle that drives the treatment. The therapy is structured and problem focused. The client/therapist team initially works toward stabilization of life and then toward personal growth. It is very “client-driven”. The weekly sessions serve to guide the client toward stabilization and growth through finding a balance between acceptance and change.
3.) Coaching Calls: This is an extension of therapy that is a part of the comprehensive treatment package. It allows phone access to the DBT treatment team who will provide assistance in skill application as needed, 24 hours a day.
4.) Team Consultation: We essentially are a community of therapists treating a community of clients. The weekly professional consultation meeting is a way to help the clinicians stay true to the DBT model while providing the best possible care.