Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
An intensive approach to help you manage difficult emotions.What is DBT?
This video gives a sense of how DBT can help you manage emotions effectively and healthily. Marsha Linehan, the person who founded DBT, describes some of the ways in which DBT helps people regulate their emotions.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioural treatment which has been shown to be effective in treating people with a wide range of conditions such as personality disorder, substance dependence, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders.
Number of months needed for lasting change.
Thanks to [Dr Rebecca and DBT] I am better equipped to deal with all the stresses, fears and challenges that life throws at us.
“DBT has been completely life changing for me. I am living each day in a way I never thought possible; I am much more accepting of myself and others, and able to identify which skills will help in which situation – some skills are even automatic! … I can’t recommend Dr Rebecca highly enough, either in running the DBT group sessions, or in the 1:1 sessions that run concurrently.It is intensive, but one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
DBT Skills-based Group
Dr. Rebecca runs a very popular 8 week group, teaching skills to help people manage emotions, tolerate distress,
improve interpersonal relationships and gain skills to stay in the present moment.
There are two groups, one for adults and one for adolescents. Each group runs for 8 weeks and focuses on a particular topic.
Dr Rebecca Ferguson is running both groups online.
Requirements.
Before attending the group, there is a thorough assessment and preparation phase that takes place.
This involves an initial consultation session and 2-3 pre-treatment sessions. These are charged at our usual session rate in addition to the group fee.
This will give you and Dr Rebecca a sense of whether the DBT group is the right approach for you. Dr Rebecca will explain the group rules in detail so that you are fully informed of the commitment required and can make your decision as to whether the group and its requirements feel comfortable to you.
All participants are required to be receiving individual therapy alongside the group.
Commitment.
The DBT Skills Group provides a containing and safe space. In order to maintain the boundaries that provide this containment we are deliberately very strict about the requirements of attending the group. One such requirement is that the group is paid for in advance and there are no refunds under any circumstances. A lot of people feel this is not fair. We understand that, yet our rationale is not financial, our rationale is based in the psychological theory that allows DBT groups to function best for all participants. And of course you are under no obligation to attend the group. Another rule people find difficult at times is the expectation that if you miss a session you can schedule an individual make-up session with Dr Rebecca and there is an additional fee associated with this. Again, there is a strong therapeutic and evidence-based rationale for this approach. No more than 2 sessions can be missed. If more than two sessions are missed, you won’t be able to rejoin the group and no refund for sessions not yet availed will be provided. If you do decide you’d like to attend, Dr. Rebecca will be very clear with you what the rules of the group are so you can make an informed decision as to whether this group suits you.
Emotion Regulation Module Learning Outcomes:
- Better understand the emotions you experience
- Reduce vulnerability to negative emotions
- Increase positive emotions
- Let go of painful emotions
Distress Tolerance Learning Outcomes:
- Reduce Impulsiveness
- Tolerate distress and crises (emotional and situational)
- Improve negative experiences
- Accept painful realities
Interpersonal Effectiveness Learning Outcomes:
- Gain balance in life
- Get what you want and need
- Say no to others when necessary
- Build mastery and respect
- Manage relationships
- Handle conflicts
What can you expect from DBT at Vivamus?
As DBT is a commitment-based therapy and requires clients to attend for a minimum of 6 months with 2 sessions per week you will first work with your psychologist to develop an accurate assessment formulation and treatment plan, whereby you both agree
For those, clients not meeting the criteria for intensive psychotherapy, you and your psychologist will decide whether to use a different therapeutic approach such as CBT or to engage in a condensed version of DBT such as all or part of the skills training component. It is possible to engage in skills training whilst you are seeing another psychologist. However, it is not possible to engage in individual therapy with two psychologists concurrently.
DBT includes four sets of behavioural skills.
1. Mindfulness: This is the practice of staying in the moment and reducing vulnerability to
2. Distress Tolerance: These skills assist in tolerating crisis situations and reducing harmful behaviours.
3. Interpersonal Effectiveness: These skills assist in maintaining relationships with others, being able to set personal boundaries and to be able to ask for help when needed.
4. Emotional Regulation: Helping you achieve more balance in emotions and reducing vulnerability to emotional pain.
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Dubai Healthcare City, right next door to City Hospital
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