Posted by alexandra_k on November 24, 2004, at 16:59:10
In reply to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy pros and cons?, posted by smokeymadison on November 22, 2004, at 1:05:17
Hi there. I agree with pegasus, I know that I didn't respond initially because I feel like I have said my bit many times over... But I was also meaning to respond at some point.
I did one year of DBT. I found it to be really useful with respect to reducing SI and suicide attempts and improving my overall level of functioning so that I could still (mostly) go to work and varsity even when I felt like crap. Also reduced drug use / abuse. I think that DBT was found to outperform treatment as usual on just those things...
Going to group was really hard. I withdrew and really hated going - but I did learn a lot by going. So it was worth it even though it didn't feel much like it was at the time.
With respect to individual therapy in general I found DBT to be better than CBT because it was much less invalidating. That being said, that also had a lot to do with the particular therapist who was delivering the DBT. Some are better or worse at that (just like with any other variety of therapy) and some don't really seem to let the theory of DBT inform their practice at all.
In general, I thought it was a very worthwhile thing to do. I would reccomend it to anyone who has the opportunity. It is hard work and infuriating at times, but I think it was worth it in hindsight.
Linehan also has other phases for after the first year. I never got to do those. That is when you are supposed to experience an improvement in your mood.
poster:alexandra_k
thread:418822
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20041123/msgs/419844.html