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. 

Do I have to do the skills group?

Not necessarily—but for some clients, it is an essential part of treatment.

Many people feel hesitant about joining a therapy group. It's completely understandable. You may worry about talking in front of strangers, hearing other people's problems, or feeling exposed before you're ready.

The good news is that DBT skills groups are very different from traditional process therapy groups. They function much more like a class than a group therapy session. In each meeting, you'll:

• Learn a new DBT skill

• Practice using the skill during group

• Apply the skill between sessions

• Discuss your experience using the skill without needing to share deeply personal details

The focus is on learning practical tools—not processing your personal history.

Some people wonder whether they can simply learn DBT skills through books or individual therapy. While that is possible for some, the group experience offers unique benefits. Skills groups provide accountability, opportunities to practice new behaviors in a safe environment, and the chance to learn from others who are working toward similar goals. Practicing skills like setting boundaries, asking for what you need, or tolerating difficult emotions with supportive peers often makes it much easier to use those same skills in everyday life.

Whether you are required to attend a skills group depends on your treatment needs. If your therapist believes your goals can be met effectively through individual DBT-informed therapy alone, group participation may not be necessary. However, if you are participating in our Comprehensive DBT Program, or if your therapist determines that individual therapy alone is unlikely to provide the level of support and skills training you need, participation in a weekly DBT skills group will be required as part of treatment.

We recognize that starting a group can feel intimidating, and we'll help you prepare before your first session. Most clients discover that their anxiety about group is much greater than the experience itself. In fact, many tell us that the skills group becomes one of the most valuable parts of their treatment.

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.

Curious about skills but don't want to buy the book just yet? Receive my free skills training workbook HERE!