What does DBT treat?
DBT was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). Since its inception, research and clinical experience have shown it is also effective for a range of other difficulties, including problems with regulating intense emotions, certain cognitive challenges, and persistent, problematic behavioral patterns.
How does DBT work?
DBT helps you identify patterns through self-monitoring using a diary card. You identify patterns of challenge, complete chain analyses to understand why the behavior occurred in a nonjudgmental way, and then practice skills related to both acceptance and change to alter that pattern. DBT includes skills training in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness with a focus on creating a life worth living.
What to expect?
For DBT-informed treatment, you will be asked to monitor your urges, behaviors, and emotions on a daily basis, which will then be reviewed at the start of each session. Areas of challenge will be identified and targeted using a behavior-focused hierarchy to help clarify why a particular behavior occurred. You will be taught specific skills aimed at both accepting and changing these targeted patterns. You will also be asked to practice these skills in your day-to-day life and to track how well they are working between sessions. Please note that Dr. Porter is not offering a DBT skills group or coaching at this time.
What is the expected timeline of treatment?
Treatment timelines are specific to the person and the presenting challenges. Behaviors that have been occurring for longer periods of time often take longer to treat.
