Dialectical Behavior Therapy FAQ's
How do I know my therapist is doing adherent comprehensive DBT?
This is a very important question! Adherent DBT therapists will have met the following criteria:
- Completion of a week long foundational or intensive training by a reputable DBT training program (BTECH, TIC, PDBTI)
- Provide both individual and group skills training
- Provide phone coaching
- Review diary cards, conduct behavior chain analysis, and teach skills
- Participate in DBT consultation team
All therapists at DBT Institute of Central Illinois provide adherent DBT. Furthermore, Dr. Perisin is a DBT Linehan Board Certified, Certified Therapist (TM) and provides weekly training to all DBTICI clinicians in addition to DBT consultation team.
Remember- a DBT program must consist of 4 components (Individual Therapy with diary card, group skills training, phone coaching, and DBT consultation team). If one or more of these components is missing, it is not an empirically supported treatment.
I've done CBT before. What makes DBT different?
While CBT and DBT are both behavioral therapies, they have different therapeutic focus. CBT focuses on identifying problematic thoughts and implementing strategies to change them. DBT concentrates much more on emotional and social areas while focusing on acceptance to help facilitate change. DBT has greater effectiveness with individuals who experience emotions much stronger and more frequently than others. DBT is the gold standard for individuals who have not benefited from other forms of treatment, have repeated hospitalizations, suicidality, self-injury and emotion regulation difficulties.
Can I keep working with my therapist while in the Comprehensive DBT program?
While participating in the full comprehensive DBT protocol, we ask all participants to pause work with their individual therapist so as to fully commit and focus on learning DBT.
How long is the program? Can I stay with my DBT therapist?
At minimum the program is 6 months, which is the equivalent of one round of skills training. Most clients will participate in two rounds of skills training, totaling a year. Upon graduating from skills group, the therapist and client will discuss therapy goals and whether or not it makes sense to continue with the DBT therapist or transfer to another form of therapy.
Are virtual services an effective way to receive DBT?
Yes! Research has shown that delivering DBT services online is just as effective as in person.
What if I don't like groups? Do I have to do the skills group?
We expect that all Comprehensive DBT clients participate in skills training and rare exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Is DBT a suicide prevention program?
No! While those who come to DBT may have suicidal thoughts or have attempted in the past, the goal of DBT is not to prevent suicide. The goal in DBT is to create a "life worth living" through skills acquisition, accepting what cannot be changed, and changing what can be in order to live the life they want.
How fast does DBT work?
Slow and steady wins the race! Acceptance must come before change, so the beginning months of treatment are focused on understanding and acquiring new skills. While participants will notice change as they start implementing new skills, most of the time real change occurs after completing two rounds (1 year) of skills training.