Perhaps you've heard of dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), or someone has recommended it for you or a loved one. However, it can be confusing navigating the different types of mental health treatment options & modalities!
Here are the top 5 questions people ask us about doing DBT, & all the answers:)
1. Do I have to do group sessions? No, not at our practice. Traditionally, DBT is always done with a group component. However, at our practice, you can do DBT with us just 1:1 if you like. We also have online programs, some of which are supported & some are self-directed. However, we do recommend our intensive group program if you want faster results!
In a DBT group you learn all the DBT skills & concepts, so then you can start using them right away. The group is not a 'sit around & talk about your feelings' type of group. It is a learning/ education style group. We don't do ice-breakers or force participation- we allow people to just be in the room as they feel most comfortable.
You can also learn DBT skills in just 1:1 sessions, but it's slower. You can also do this online, but it takes some self-discipline. It really depends on how you learn best. If you're feeling unsure about being in a group, maybe try some 1:1 sessions first & see how you feel:)
2. Am I going to be asked to talk about trauma? No. DBT is a 'Stage 1' treatment, meaning trauma is acknowledged but it is not the focus of treatment. DBT focuses on helping people get more emotional stability in day-to-day life, & build a life that feels worth living.
Doing trauma- focused therapy without stable emotion regulation can actually make things worse. So we focus on getting life nice & stable- then if people want to do trauma therapy later on, they can do so safely.
3. I have had bad experiences with seeking help before- How is DBT different? Negative experiences with help-seeking are VERY common in people that seek out DBT. DBT is different in some key ways:
More intensive support, including between sessions when you need it most
Skills focused, so you learn practical skills to use, not just airy-fairy concepts
Evidence-based to work for people with chronic risky behaviours, & DBT was designed specifically for people who did not benefit from other therapies
Balancing acceptance and change, which allows us to bring more balance to all areas of life
4. Is it expensive? Depends how you look at it... Proper, high-quality DBT therapy is not
cheap because it provides a lot of intense support, including support between sessions.
However, many people who come to DBT have been spending large amounts of money
on other therapy that has not worked. Things like hospital admissions, time off work &
attempts at self-help also add up over time. We should also consider the impact of poor
mental health on the rest of life, including work & study capacity.
What is the cost of NOT getting effective treatment? Without stable mental health, everything else falls apart, so it should be a priority. That being said, we offer payment plans in order to help with budgeting. Overwhelmingly, our clients report DBT is money well spent & well worth the investment in themselves.
5. How do I know if DBT is a good fit for me? The best way to figure out if DBT can help
you is to do some research & ask trusted sources. Perhaps ask you GP or psychiatrist about it (if you trust their opinion).
You could also look for online resources (from reputable sources). Check out our blog post & quiz, 'Could DBT Help?': https://www.mindfulrecovery.com.au/post/could-dbt-help-take-this-quiz-to-find-out
If you're interested in more info about the Mindful Recovery Services DBT programs,
drop us a line online, via email or phone. We'd love to chat & see if we can help:)
Alex.
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