What DBT-Informed Treatment is:
- DBT-Informed Treatment is a broad, unregulated term that loosely refers to a therapy (or therapist) incorporating at least one DBT skill into your treatment. This can range widely from use of only one DBT skill to the use of almost all of the components of what is called Comprehensive DBT.
- When referred to DBT-informed treatment, this usually indicates that you or a provider believes you need concrete skills for your emotions to support you in your therapy journey.
- DBT-informed treatment is not typically appropriate for someone who needs "full-model" or Comprehensive DBT. If you struggle with repeated impulsive, high-risk behaviors (e.g., suicide attempts, aggression, substance use), have significant interpersonal difficulties, and/or have intense and rapidly shifting emotions, you are likely more appropriate for a Comprehensive DBT Program.
- DBT is also not the only skills focused therapy out there, so see below for more options for skills-focused care!
What does DBT-Informed Treatment mean at TAP?
At TAP, DBT-informed treatment means using most - but not all - of the Comprehensive DBT model. It is skills based, uses a treatment hierarchy, and is considerably more structured than supportive talk therapies. We use DBT-informed therapy to address emotion dysregulation that causes impulsive behaviors and interpersonal difficulties but that are less severe, disruptive, or pervasive than would require Comprehensive DBT. Or, we might take a DBT-informed approach with a client who completed a comprehensive DBT program in the past and would like to resume work with a DBT-knowledgeable therapist. DBT-informed treatment typically includes most (or all) of the following elements:
- A diary card or behavior tracking system
- Setting an agenda and using a treatment hierarchy in each session
- Discussing, practicing, and applying skills
- Between-session practice assignments
Do I need DBT-Informed Treatment?
DBT-informed treatment is not right for everyone. Consider DBT-informed treatment if:
- You experience your emotions as easily triggered, intense, and requiring a long time to return to baseline
- You engage in unskillful or problematic behaviors in an attempt to regulate your emotions (e.g., mild overuse of substances, binge eating, shopping, or gambling)
- You have moderate difficulty in interpersonal interactions due to your emotions. This could include difficulty getting along with others, experiencing relationships as hot and cold or high conflict, engaging in problematic interpersonal communication behaviors (e.g., yelling), or difficulty effectively asking for what you need when upset.
- These emotional and interpersonal skills deficits cause moderate problems in your ability to work (or attend school), build and maintain relationships, and/or complete tasks of daily living
Alternatives to DBT-Informed Therapy
If what you are looking for is a therapy that can give you skills, DBT is not your only option! Consider these alternatives here at TAP:
- The Unified Protocol: a skills-based therapy for navigating emotions and changing your relationship to them. The UP is particularly helpful if you struggle with avoidance.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): a skills-based treatment that helps you change unhelpful thinking or behavioral patterns.
- Emotional Resiliency (ER) Treatment: a skill-based treatment to help navigate the difficult emotions of day-to-day living.
- Trauma Therapies: skills based treatment(s) to address PTSD or trauma-related disorders.