Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a continually evolving and increasingly acknowledged form of psychotherapy. Due to its significant benefits, it’s gaining substantial recognition in both personal and online group therapy settings. Even though DBT has been present since the 1980s, recent heightened awareness about mental health and treatment options has thrust DBT into prominence, along with various facts and misconceptions.
DBT is commonly suggested as a potential treatment solution for individuals with various mental health disorders such as BPD, PTSD, and suicidal tendencies. If you’re exploring DBT therapy to manage your ongoing challenges or mental health condition, it’s essential to understand these four common misconceptions about DBT.
“DBT Is Solely For Suicide Prevention” – This is not correct. Besides aiding suicide prevention, DBT also significantly improves overall life quality, decision-making abilities, relationships and emotional management. While this therapy has proven effective for managing suicidal thoughts — largely because suicide often stems from the belief that life isn’t worth living or is filled with suffering — DBT aims to enhance life quality by fostering greater meaning and satisfaction for all who opt for this mode of treatment. Undergoing DBT with your therapist can help identify, confront, and diminish feelings that underpin many issues beyond suicidal thoughts like relationship issues, impulsive behaviour, emotional regulation difficulties, etcetera.
“DBT Is Time-Consuming” – This is not correct. Even though this therapy might take longer than others, it’s still an outpatient treatment. The time spent daily dealing with anxiety issues – emotional problems or stress-related interpersonal tension – makes the time invested in DBT therapy seem less considerable.
“DBT Is Only Beneficial For BPD” – This is not correct. Research has shown that DBT effectively treats various mental health conditions, including Depression; Bipolar Disorder; BPD; PTSD; Substance Abuse; Eating Disorders; Suicidal Tendencies, etcetera. Indeed, because of its process and objectives akin to the CBT format, understanding behaviours driven by intense emotions forms its core, making it suitable for anyone struggling. The primary goal of DBT involves analyzing destructive choices and patterns along with their root causes & triggers – thereby aiding in creating practical coping strategies instead.
“DBT Is A Last-Ditch Effort” – This is not correct. While many patients turn to DBT when other treatments don’t offer the desired results – depending on symptom severity & type as well as personal goals– therapists might recommend this form of therapy early on, too, in some instances. It’s more than just a quick-fix solution but a meaningful tool you can leverage during your mental health journey under professional guidance.
If you’re considering adopting DBT – online group sessions could be fitting! Resources on DBT are readily accessible, aiming at enhancing your mental health & well-being!
If you’re located in Saskatchewan, consider contacting DBTSaskatchewan today! Our team of dedicated professionals will guide you through the process effectively!
