I still feel emotions intensely, but I can now identify them and know how to manage them without using harmful behaviours." "I’ve learned that emotions are not the enemy. You can find some sample diary cards on the DBT Self Help website. You then use this information to decide together what you will work on in each session. This is for you to track your emotions and actions, and look for patterns and triggers in your life. Your DBT therapist is likely to ask you to fill out diary cards as homework, and bring them to sessions.
Or it might be things in your personal life like employment or relationship problems. This might be other mental health problems like depression or hearing voices. To help you reach your goals and improve your quality of life by addressing what's getting in the way.To reduce behaviours that interfere with therapy.To help keep you safe by reducing suicidal and self-harming behaviours.
The individuals sessions have a hierarchy of goals: Each session lasts approximately 45–60 minutes. Individual therapy usually involves weekly one-to-one sessions with a DBT therapist. It's important to remember that everyone experiences therapy differently. Talk to your doctor about what you would find most helpful to see what is available in your area. You might ideally prefer to work with a DBT therapist 1-to-1, but unfortunately this is not always offered as an option. Some people like group work, but others find it harder. You feel able to do some sessions in a group with others.You're ready to focus mostly on your present and future, rather than your past.You're ready to work hard at therapy, and do homework assignments.You're committed to making positive changes in yourself.Offending behaviour (committing crimes)īut regardless of your diagnosis or problems, DBT might not be right for you.Some NHS services are also starting to offer DBT for: It was originally developed for borderline personality disorder (BPD), so most of the evidence for it so far has been about treating people with this diagnosis. Research shows that DBT can be helpful in tackling problems like :