Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a widely recognized therapeutic approach and is effective in treating a variety of mental health issues like Borderline Personality Disorder, eating disorders, emotional dysregulation, and chronic stress. Informed DBT vs. Comprehensive DBT are terms that people throw around without really understanding what they mean and what is the best therapy approach. So, what is the difference between them? Learn about informed DBT and Comprehensive DBT.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
DBT was designed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s and is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that emphasizes balancing acceptance and change. Its primary goal is helping individuals find better ways to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and reduce harmful behaviors through evidence-based techniques.
DBT typically centers on the development of four core skills:
- Mindfulness
- Distress Tolerance
- Emotion Regulation
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
What Is Comprehensive DBT?
Comprehensive DBT is an evidence-based, structured treatment designed primarily for individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviors, and conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and Substance Use Disorders. It is delivered the way that Marsha Linehan intended; the research we have on the effectiveness of DBT is typically all of the components of Comprehensive DBT.
Components Of Comprehensive DBT
Unlike standalone DBT skills training, Comprehensive DBT consists of four core components to provide well-rounded support, which are:
- Individual therapy⎯Weekly one-on-one sessions with a DBT trained therapist to address specific challenges, reinforce skills, and work on personal goals.
- DBT skills group⎯A structured group setting where participants learn and practice four key skill sets.
- Consultation team⎯A team of DBT therapists who support and guide one another to ensure the best treatment for clients.
- Phone coaching⎯Access to your therapist outside of therapy sessions, when you need it the most to reinforce and generalize skills usage.
Who Is Comprehensive DBT For?
Comprehensive DBT is best for people with severe and persistent mental health challenges. For example:
- Those struggling with intense emotional dysregulation or chronic suicidal ideation.
- People with co-occurring mental health issues like substance use, PTSD, or eating disorders.
- People who need a structured, all-encompassing program to manage their symptoms effectively.
Those who are seeking therapy for emotion dysregulation, self harm, or suicidality would benefit from DBT.
What Is Informed DBT?
Informed DBT means either that the therapist is not intensively trained in DBT and/or does not adhere to the full model of DBT. They might incorporate some skills or techniques, or have a basic understanding of the concepts and theories. However, informed DBT is vastly different from Comprehensive DBT.
Informed DBT might mean that a therapist incorporates teaching DBT skills into their talk therapy sessions. It could also mean that they were once intensively trained but are now no longer on a DBT consultation team.
Individuals who are needing higher levels of care compared to once a week outpatient therapy and those who are struggling to live a life worth living may greatly benefit from Comprehensive DBT.
If you’re ready to explore DBT, but need guidance on where to start or have questions, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
