Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) was developed in the 1980s, to help treat people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). It has since been used to help other groups of people—such as those with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts—and has even been used to treat eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Its unique approach has led some experts to believe that DBT may be the most effective treatment available for BPD and other mental health issues that share common features with BPD.

What Is DBT?

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a treatment approach that was originally developed to help people suffering from borderline personality disorder (BPD), but has since evolved into an effective way to treat a range of mental health conditions. It’s one of several types of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies all involve helping you change your thinking and behaviors, which then affects how you feel emotionally.

How Does Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Work?

DBT aims to teach sufferers of BPD effective emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills. DBT techniques include using a combination of mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills to create a more balanced sense of self.

Treating BPD with DBT

DBT is an evidence-based treatment that’s highly effective in helping those with BPD manage their emotions, behaviors, and thinking. Because it teaches specific DBT skills to deal with strong emotions and reactivity, many psychologists and therapists consider it to be one of the most effective treatments available. It’s often offered in conjunction with other types of therapy.

What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?

BPD is a mental health condition characterised by unstable moods, behavior, and relationships. People with BPD often have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can lead to impulsive actions and unstable relationships.

Should I Try Dialectical Behavioural Therapy?

That all depends on your needs. DBT therapy is often used to treat people with BPD, and can be very helpful in treating trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse problems and self-harming behaviors. If any of these symptoms are causing you distress or interfering with your ability to lead a normal life, DBT might be a good option for you.

How Can I Get My Loved One To Get Professional Help?

If you have a loved one who suffers from borderline personality disorder, it can be very difficult to convince them to seek professional help. Many people with BPD are reluctant to get treatment because they do not see themselves as having a problem or simply do not want to accept their diagnosis. It is critical that you try and understand why your loved one may be resisting treatment before approaching them again on your own.