Dialectical Behavior Therap (DBT)

DBT is an empircally supported treatment composed of both individual and group psychotherapy modalities. Developed by Marsha Linehan, DBT was designed specifically for individuals who engage in self-destructive behaviors. It has also been found to be effective in treating eating disorders, substance addiction, and depression in elderly patients. A modification of cognitive behaior therapy, DBT places equal emphasis on change-oriented and acceptance-based interventions.

DBT skills groups are educational therapeutic classes aimed at reducing maladaptive behaviors by offering alternative ways to respond to stressful situations and intense emotions. Linehan's Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder (1993) is used to teach skills in Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance.

Training Programs in DBT

Intramural

• Supervision in conducting individual DBT and co-leading group DBT is available to psychology interns and psychiatry residents.
• Psychiatry residents and medical students may elect to observe DBT skills groups.
• Psychology interns, psychiatry residents, and medical students may elect to participate in DBT therapists' weekly consultation/supervision meetings.
• Psychology interns may do a three month intensive elective in DBT.
• A lecture series in DBT is offered every September.

Extramural

• Fee-based consultation and workshops are available to agencies and individuals who wish to incorporate DBT into their practices.
• Psychology graduate students may participate in DBT therapists' weekly consultation/supervision meetings.

Faculty

Laura Leso, M.D.
Deborah Pollack, Ph.D.
Jean Shook, R.M., N.P.-C
Holly Vanderhoff, Ph.D.