5 Reasons Why Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Is a Good Treatment For Borderline Personality Disorder

CBT? DBT? EMDR?

SO MANY ACRONYMS IN THERAPY. It’s hard to know where to start as a person considering starting therapy. I will say that the most important part of therapy is that you show up, but it’s also true that certain therapies are more helpful than others depending on what diagnosis a person has. That’s true of DBT for people who experience BPD.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is considered the best treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder from many professionals and those who experience it. It was created by psychologist Dr. Marsha M. Linehan who has BPD. She developed a program at the University of Washington. Here’s some info on Marsha and a few of her books:

The Marsha M. Linehan DBT Clinic.

Building a Life Worth Living: A Memoir

DBT Principles in Action: Acceptance, Change, and Dialectics

So, why is DBT so helpful for those of us with BPD?

1. Dialectics: DBT employs a dialectical approach, emphasizing the balance between acceptance and change. This means validating an individual's experiences and emotions while also encouraging behavioral changes. This approach can be empowering for individuals with BPD, who often experience intense and fluctuating emotions.

2. Mindfulness Skills: The incorporation of mindfulness techniques in DBT helps individuals with BPD become more aware of their thoughts and emotions without judgment. Mindfulness fosters a non-reactive and observing stance, which can be beneficial in breaking the cycle of impulsive reactions.

3. Emotion Regulation: BPD is often characterized by emotional dysregulation, where individuals struggle to manage intense emotions. DBT's focus on emotion regulation skills provides practical tools for identifying, understanding, and effectively coping with emotions. This can lead to more stable emotional experiences.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Many individuals with BPD face challenges in interpersonal relationships, including difficulties with communication and managing conflicts. DBT's emphasis on interpersonal effectiveness skills helps individuals develop healthier relationship patterns, assertiveness, and boundary-setting.

5. Distress Tolerance: Individuals with BPD may be prone to impulsive behaviors during times of distress. DBT's distress tolerance skills equip individuals with alternative, healthier coping mechanisms to navigate crises without resorting to harmful actions.

6. Structured Format: DBT typically follows a structured format, including individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultation teams. This structured approach provides a comprehensive and consistent framework for addressing various aspects of an individual's life. It can help support people with BPD because it often includes 24/7 support, which can be helpful because people with BPD often have suicidal ideation.

7. Research-Based Effectiveness: DBT has been extensively researched and has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing self-harm, suicide attempts, and improving overall functioning in individuals with BPD. This evidence-based approach contributes to its credibility and adoption in the treatment of BPD.