Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in Orange County, CA

Her therapy enhancements were made to challenge the emotional dysregulation and self-destructive behaviors associated with BPD. She introduced a new therapeutic approach with new techniques, called dialectical behavior therapy.

The term dialectic is defined as a philosophical mode of argument. This therapy consists of a back and forth mode. The DBT therapist will accept and validate an experience and response, and challenge them on another. This makes it easier for the patient to tolerate requests and challenge their mode of thinking.

This new emphasis on acceptance and validation is perhaps one of the most significant improvements when it came to her patient’s emotional needs. This change was to counterbalance the traditional CBT approach to change those states.

The standard dialectical behavior therapy model is composed of two primary forms of treatment. This includes weekly individual therapy sessions and weekly group therapy sessions. We provide dialectical behavior therapy in Orange County that maximizes every aspect of these approaches whenever possible.

The most common mental health issues DBT is used to treat include:

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Eating disorders
• Suicidal behaviors
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder

DBT and Eating Disorders

Emotional dysregulation plays a crucial role in eating disorders. DBT skills have been proven to be effective at reducing binge eating and purging behaviors. For instance, diagnostic remission rates for eating disorders amongst suicidal women with BPD are about 64%. Dialectical behavior therapy helps these patients cope more effectively with their emotions that lead to certain eating behaviors. It also helps them to understand the patterns that lead them to their destructive eating habits. Learning the skills to tolerate and reduce difficult emotions without turning to food is what DBT can help achieve.

DBT and High-Risk Patients With PTSD

PTSD is a mental health disorder characterized by memories, avoidance, and emotional numbing of past traumas. A four-stage model is used for patients with PTSD. The first stage focuses on a sense of control over suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The second stage utilizes DBT Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE) protocol, developed by Dr. Melanie Harned. The last two stages are made to help patients take control of their day-to-day activities. This is so they can work on the feeling of freedom and joy that life has to offer.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness skills are about developing self-awareness skills and living in the present. It teaches the patient about the reasonable, emotional, and the wise mind. The reasonable mind uses logic and functions according to rules. The emotional mind provides information and meaning on the importance of things. The wise mind creates balance, which patients are taught how to turn to the wise mind when necessary.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal effectiveness skills help patients with social interactions, especially when engaged in conflict. These skills involve a series of steps to follow, which gives them access to function the wise mind.

Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation skills help the patient to understand and cope better with their intense emotions. The patient learns how emotions work and the relationship between an interpretation and the related emotion, urges, or impulses.

Distress Tolerance

Distress tolerance skills are when the patient encounters a crisis and has the ability not to make things worse. Those struggling with BPD usually have a hard time dealing with a crisis situation. These techniques help them move through difficult times and not engage in self-destructive behavior. This is a strong skill set to have that demonstrates acceptance and a non-judgemental attitude.