Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Risks and Benefits

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy which focuses on helping one manage emotions effectively, reduce self-harming behaviours, control impulsive behaviour and accept oneself passively. The term ‘dialectical’ refers to reconciliation of opposites which are acceptance and change. DBT combines elements of mindfulness, acceptance, and behavioural techniques to create a positive change in one’s life. This article explores the various uses of DBT, risks, benefits, and the way it works, also providing light on DBT at the best treatment centre for mental disorder.

Uses of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is widely used globally to help one with a numerous mental health difficulty, especially involving emotional management and coping methods. Some of the common uses are:

• Borderline Personality Disorder: DBT helps one with symptoms of cluster B personality traits such as impulsivity, self-harming behaviour, improve interpersonal relationship and manage emotions effectively.
• Depressive Disorder: DBT is used for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, especially when emotional issues are a major concern.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): DBT teaches one with coping methods to adapt effectively to the situation, deal with the past trauma and manage distressing feelings and memories.
• Eating Disorders: DBT helps to eliminate maladaptive eating disorder behaviour such as binge eating or purging and build a more fulfilling life.
• Suicidal Tendencies and Self-Harming Behaviour: DBT works effectively for individuals with suicidal behaviours by helping them to cope with intense emotions and adapt other mechanisms to deal with causes leading to self-harming tendencies.
• Substance Use Disorder: Addiction and substance use problem can also be treated using DBT by managing triggers and root causes of the condition.
• Anxiety and Panic Disorder: DBT reduces anxious thoughts and overthinking tendencies by using mindfulness techniques that may exacerbate the condition.

How Does Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Work?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) works in four key modules which helps one to manage their emotions and behaviour. They are:

• Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness practices help one to be aware of their present moment and focus their thoughts on emotions causing maladaptive behaviour, thereby proving a control over their emotions.
• Distress Tolerance: Distress tolerance techniques include radical acceptance, distractions and intense exercise, without engaging in maladaptive behaviours such as substance abuse, thereby developing the ability to tolerate pain and reduce distress.
• Emotion Regulation and Control: The third module is emotion regulation which helps one to manage intense emotions and reduce impulsivity.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: This module focuses on improving communication skills, building healthy relationships, and setting boundaries without engaging in aggression or resistance.

Risks of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a highly used method of psychotherapy, however, the challenges associated with it are:

• Emotional Turmoil: In the process of overcoming emotional distress, the individual may experience painful flashbacks causing discomfort leading to intense and recurring emotions.
• Time Consuming: DBT involves individual as well as group therapy which may go on for months or even years requiring a significant time investment in the process.
• Difficulty in Implementing Skills: DBT is a time-consuming process and may often take time to master the skills taught causing frustration.
• Increased Vulnerability to Distress: DBT brings back the traumatic events of an individual’s life causing extreme form of pain and distress, requiring the support of additional therapeutic methods.
• Not Suitable for All Cases: DBT may not work effectively for all individuals. Some may respond to CBT or other therapies more effectively rather than DBT.

Benefits of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) has the following advantages and benefits:

• Improved Emotional Management: DBT helps one to understand and control their emotions effectively, thereby reducing impulsivity and emotional outburst.
• Enhanced Coping Skills: DBT helps an individual to develop adaptive coping methods, such as mindfulness practices rather than maladaptive techniques to effectively deal with stress, anxiety and depression.
• Reduced Self-Harming Tendencies and Suicidal Thoughts: Dialectical behaviour therapy helps an individual to reduce destructive and self-harming thoughts, especially for individuals with borderline personality disorder or history of trauma.
• Improved Relationships: DBT helps to improve communication skills and mend broken relationships, making it easier to maintain boundaries and those struggling with social isolation.
• Increased Mindfulness: DBT teaches one with mindfulness techniques which helps the individual to focus on the present moment and avoid being triggered by past experiences and emotions.
• Long-Term Effectiveness: DBT provides lasting improvement for individuals dealing with emotional regulation, thereby leading to overall functioning and personal growth.

Find the Best Dialectical Behaviour Therapy at Athena Okas

If you or someone you know is struggling with personality disorders or behavioural issues, Athena Behavioural Health Okas has a team of licensed professionals providing Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for helping an individual to navigate mental health challenges effectively. The right mental health treatment centre is specialized in treating an individual with BPD, depression, anxiety or trauma. The therapist at this rehab centre offers one on one need specific treatment plan, focusing on long term recovery and lasting improvement. Athena BHS helps you to achieve a compassionate care and recovery while treatment and promote overall well-being of the individual. To contact Athena Okas, dial at 9289730444 or email at customercare@athenabhs.com.

Conclusion

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a highly recognized and an effective form of psychotherapy which is widely used for conditions such as borderline personality disorder, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and depression. With the right guidance and treatment for mental health issues, DBT can provide long term healing and recovery, thereby maintaining personal growth. If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these issues, contact the right DBT therapist and make a faster progress towards recovery.