DBT

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): what is, how it works, for those indicated

The Dialytic Behavioral Therapy (Dialectical Behavior Therapy DBT) is a psychotherapeutic treatment based on scientific evidence, developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Marsha M. Linehan, American psychologist and professor emeritus at the University of Washington. DBT was born as an intervention for people at high risk of suicide and was subsequently recognized as one of the most effective treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder and for a wide range of complex psychological conditions.

What is DBT?

Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy is based on a conceptual model centered on emotional disregulation, that is the difficulty to recognize, manage and use your emotions in a functional way. The word "dialectical" refers to the continuous search for a balance between acceptance and change: Empathetic acceptance of patient suffering and concrete commitment to build a "life worthy of being lived".

DBT systematically integrates strategies from cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness, emotional adjustment techniques, tolerance to suffering and relational skills.

THE MODEL

Marsha M. Linehan: the founder of the DBT

Marsha Linehan is one of the most influential figures in the field of mental health. She is responsible for creating an innovative therapeutic model, capable of combining scientific rigour and deep clinical understanding of human suffering. His work has transformed contemporary psychotherapy, offering new hope to patients considered "difficult to treat". In 2024, the University of Washington awarded her important recognition for her contribution to DBT development.

HOW DBT WORKS

The treatment components

DBT standard treatment is structured and intensive, designed to last at least one year and is divided into several components:

Individual weekly therapy:

focused on motivation for change and the application of skills to everyday life.

Skills training group:

weekly meetings dedicated to teaching specific skills, divided into four modules: Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, Tolerance of suffering, Interpersonal Efficacy.

Telephone consultation:

support between sessions for the application of learned skills.

Therapy consultation team:

ensuring quality and consistency of treatment through teamwork.

Ancillary treatments:

When necessary, DBT can be integrated with residential interventions, pharmacotherapy or collaborations with other health or social services.

DBT

To whom the DBT is addressed

Dialectic-Behavioral Therapy has shown efficacy in the treatment of:

Borderline Personality Disorder
Suicide and self-harmful behaviour
Impulsive and dangerous behaviours (e.g. reckless driving, brawls)
Problemic use of substances, drugs or alcohol
Disorders of food conduct (binge eating, bulimia)
Social isolation, emotional retreat, relationship difficulties

DBT is indicated both for adults that adolescents, and in some cases also provides for active involvement of households. It is particularly useful for people who experience intense and persistent suffering, often linked to difficulties in regulating emotions and dysfunctional behaviors put in place in times of crisis.