DBT Individual Counselling
Sessions from a Dedicated Therapist
What are DBT Advanced Skills?
We are glad you’re interested in learning about the individual counselling component of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). DBT is an evidence-based treatment specifically designed for people with BPD, and it has been proven to be effective in reducing self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and other impulsive behaviors associated with this disorder.
Individual counselling in DBT usually involves weekly one-on-one sessions with a trained therapist. These sessions are designed to address the unique challenges each patient faces in their daily life, and they’re tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of the individual. Individual counselling provides personalized support and guidance to help patients make positive life changes.
Once a week, clients engage in a 50-minute therapy session. Throughout these meetings, therapists support clients in addressing and resolving their life challenges, aiming to help them accomplish their therapeutic goals. Simultaneously, therapists express empathy and understanding, recognizing and respecting the client’s perspectives.
The emphasis in individual therapy is on lessening or eradicating behaviors that pose a risk to life, such as attempts at suicide or self-harm. The therapy also targets behaviors that obstruct the therapy process, like habitual tardiness or failing to complete therapy assignments. Furthermore, it addresses behaviors that negatively affect the client’s desired quality of life, such as substance misuse, impulsive actions, and issues related to mood and anxiety.
Therapists work to build a genuine and collaborative relationship with clients, utilizing a diverse array of techniques to assist clients in resolving their issues and transforming their lives.
The individual counselling sessions follow a structured approach, often using a treatment hierarchy to prioritize the most important issues that need to be addressed. The hierarchy typically starts with life-threatening behaviours, followed by therapy-interfering behaviours, quality-of-life issues, and skill-building.
Components
You and your therapist design a plan and address any life-threathening and therapy-interfering behaviours.
Learn to apply the DBT core skills into your daily life, and personalize the skills to fit your needs, symptoms, and goals.
Secure messaging with your therapist is available whenever you need it.
Throughout the process, the therapist will provide validation, encouragement, and support, creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for the patient. This helps to build trust and fosters a solid therapeutic alliance, which is crucial for the success of the treatment.
Individual counselling in DBT is a powerful and essential component of treating individuals with BPD. By working one-on-one with a skilled therapist, patients can gain valuable insights into their thoughts and emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and make meaningful progress toward a more fulfilling life. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength; with the right support and dedication, change is possible!
