BorderlineCentral
Your One Stop Source For Information On
Borderline Personality Disorder

Web www.borderlinecentral.com

Does Your Loved One Have Borderline Personality Disorder?
Discover how to cope and deal with your loved one's Borderline Personality Disorder.
Click here for FREE information.
 

Do You Have Borderline Personality Disorder?
Discover how to cope and deal with your Borderline Personality Disorder disorder.
Click here for FREE information.
 

Child With Borderline Personality Disorder?
Learn How to REALLY Help and Support Your Child.
Click here for FREE information.
 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a type of therapy used specifically for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder. The term “dialectical” is derived from classical philosophy. It refers to a form of argument in which an assertion is first made about a particular issue – the “thesis”. The opposing position is then formulated – the “antithesis.” Then, finally, a compromise – the “synthesis” - is sought between the two extremes, which embodies the valuable features of each position, and resolves any contradictions between the two.

In this way, the truth is seen as a process that develops over time in transactions between people. From this perspective, then, there can be no statement which represents “absolute truth.” In other words, truth is approached as the middle point between extremes, or a compromise. There is a saying that goes, “There is your truth, his truth, and the real truth somewhere in between.” This could aptly describe the truth as approached by Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Thus, Dialectical Behavior Therapy includes specific techniques of acceptance and validation designed to counter the self-invalidation of the patient, which springs from negative experiences as a child. These are balanced by techniques of problem solving whereby the therapist works together with the patient to help the patient learn more and better ways of dealing with his/her difficulties, and to acquire the skills needed to do so.

In Dialectical Behavior Therapy, dialectical strategies are the basis for all aspects of treatment to counter the rigid and extreme thinking encountered in patients with Borderline Personality Disorder. The dialectical world view is apparent in the three pairs of “dialectical dilemmas” which comprise the goals of therapy, as well as in the attitudes and communication styles of the therapist.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is “behavioral” in that, without ignoring the past, it focuses on the patient’s present behavior, and in the current factors which are controlling that behavior.

There are four primary modes of treatment in Dialectical Behavior Therapy:

1. Individual Therapy
2. Group Skills Training
3. Telephone Contact
4. Therapist Consultation

While keeping within the overall model, Group Therapy and other modes of treatment may be added at the therapist’s discretion, as long as the targets for that mode are clear. The main work of therapy is carried out in the individual therapy sessions.

Between sessions, the patient is offered telephone contact with the therapist; however, the purpose of this is clearly defined, and each therapist has the right to set clear limits on this contact. Specifically, telephone contact is not for the purpose of psychotherapy; rather, it is to give the patient help and support in applying the skills that he/she is learning in therapy, to his/her real life situation between sessions, and to help him/her find ways to avoid self-injury.

Calls are also accepted for the purpose of repairing the therapist-patient relationship when/if the patient feels that he/she has damaged the relationship and wants to put this right before the next session. Calls after the patient has injured him/herself are not acceptable, however, and, after ensuring his/her immediate safety, no further calls will be allowed for the next twenty-four hours. This is to avoid reinforcing self-injury on the part of the patient.

About the Author

David Oliver is the founder of BorderlineCentral.com a one stop source of information on how to cope and deal with borderline personality disorder.

Back to Article List

If you are in a crisis please call:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Special Survey For Those
Who Are Caring For Someone With
Borderline Personality Disorder

3 Steps to Wealth, Success and True Happiness
Click here to discover the self help formula that can make money, help weight loss, heal relationships and much MUCH more.

More Love, Money, Confidence and Inner Peace
Click here for more information.

Improve Your Emotional Health
Reduce Your Stress Levels
Increase Your Brain Power
Click here for more information.