Dbt Groups: What Was Your Experience?

[joeylittle]

There is an aspect of DBT that is rigid - and it has to do with the "certified" vs. non-certified. http://dbt-lbc.org/index.php?page=101130

Part of Marsha Linehan's definition of DBT is tied to a statement in that link: "Certification will help to ensure programmatic and treatment fidelity for the delivery of comprehensive DBT as developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan and her colleagues."

To actually have "done" DBT, according to Linehan, you must do the three-pronged treatment model - the group, individual, and coaching. And the way in which the skills are taught and the discipline with which you apply them is very prescribed, without much room for the clinician to interpret things. So unless you have a very talented clinician, there can be something cookie-cutter about "formal" DBT.

Plenty of clinicians use DBT in a modified way, applying the ideas and skills but not the actual treatment program. They just aren't "real" DBT practitioners, according to the Linehan Institute.

I'm with you, @Hashi - what I really got out of DBT, I got with a vague applying of the principles in a group setting, and then a book which actually isn't approved by Linehan - it allows for more interpretation and selective applying of the skills. But I think, even though you used Marsha's tapes, you got a more selective experience as well - because were you to be "doing" DBT the way she prescribes, you'd have been in a program.

 

[Joan]

I have had multiple experiences with DBT starting with a group that was a 12 week group...I did not make 12 weeks as I went into another program. In the 12 week one I had 2 options of times...one group I did not like, triggering..the 2nd one was great, supportive from those leading to those who were clients. I then had more at the next program...was ok...not great...had some in an intensive outpatient setting a few days, but not the right fit. Then I went to a residential facility for 4 months. DBT was one of the many things emphasized there. It was then that it really clicked with me. I left that facility 15 months ago and DBT is definitely a go to for me on a daily basis to cope with life as it is. I truly think that it depends on the person leading it, the group of people in the group...so many factors. I also think it vital to explore different techniques. For me a combination of different things works best. ACT is another potential group setting with some similarities and some differences,

 

[xena21]

Since "DBT in itself" was all I had access to.

DBT in any way is very rigid because that is how it was made to be. It is made to be followed strictly so people can easily adapt like a coach telling plays from the sidelines. They don't have to think through the plays on their own, because the coach lays everything out for them to know ahead of time to practice. DBT is just like that . It is a formula for success for some particular people. I hope people understand it was originally designed for other disorders besides PTSD so you might not get the benefit here you think you are going to get. Marsha Linnehan didn't have PTSD.

DBT may be helpful for some but as you can see from these posts its obviously an individual experience and it can be harmful in many ways. Someone like myself with another disorder like OCD only got worse from this therapy. It is all an individual experience so you have to make that decision.

 

[StellaBlue]

Sorry to open an older thread...but I just found this and found it very interesting that it was started while I was under an involuntary commitment in October that was triggered (not caused - that was entirely my fault) by my DBT therapy. I felt the need to respond to the question of whether or not DBT is "rigid".

I started in a DBT group over a year ago, but continued with my non-DBT therapist until late summer. At that time, I was getting a lot of benefit from the group and decided I'd like to go into full DBT therapy mode. My therapist and group leaders helped me identify a certified DBT therapist and I started seeing him.

From the start, sessions were extremely rigid and very much focused on psychoeducation and CBT. We would start by reviewing my diary card, then identify a target, then a lesson on the white board, finally a homework assignment. No talking about the week, no interpersonal stuff. After about 6 weeks, I ended up getting triggered by one of the homework assignments, spiralled down, became suicidal, drank (which set off the "24-hour no contact" rule), wound up with no support (due to the 24-hour rule) and finished up by having my ass committed. It was a horror and I am still recovering.

I have been told that DBT is compassionate and that the patient can't fail...I disagree...full on DBT therapy was one of the most heartless, shaming experiences I've ever had...and I feel like I totally failed. ...and yet, I've decided to continue with the DBT group, because I have benefited immensly from the skills. I've also come the the realization that maybe individual psychotherapy is not for me. I'm still working through what I want/need from that.

Anyway...just my experience...and I may have a different view of things in a couple of months.