{"id":7401,"date":"2023-01-31T10:49:05","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T16:49:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sunrisertc.com\/?p=7401"},"modified":"2024-03-05T17:19:38","modified_gmt":"2024-03-05T23:19:38","slug":"is-dialectical-behavior-therapy-a-relational-therapeutic-approach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sunrisertc.com\/is-dialectical-behavior-therapy-a-relational-therapeutic-approach\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy a Relational Therapeutic Approach?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite having the word behavior in its name, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is indeed a relational therapeutic approach. In fact, establishing a trusting relationship between therapist and client is essential to a positive therapeutic outcome with DBT.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dialectical Behavior Therapy<\/a> is a talk therapy technique like psychotherapy. It uses elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but focuses on people who experience intense emotion. Instead of just identifying unhelpful thought patterns and replacing them, DBT provides a set of skills to help regulate overwhelming emotions so people can gain control over their thoughts and feelings.<\/p>\n

The relationship between the therapist and client is a key factor in gaining trust and learning DBT skills. Dr. Marsha Linehan, the founder of DBT, says therapy isn\u2019t re-parenting, it\u2019s a therapeutic relationship<\/a>.<\/p>\n

DBT therapists<\/a> are asked to be genuine people with their clients. They often share personal experiences with their clients to give healthy examples of success and defeat. While in session, the DBT therapist meets the client where they\u2019re at depending on personal needs. It\u2019<\/span>s as if the therapist is saying, \u201c<\/span>I know more about how to get from a to b, but we\u2019<\/span>re still equal people.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, if the client is obviously exaggerating a scenario, the therapist may pretend to faint in exhaustion from such an elaborate story. This helps trigger the client\u2019s focus on facts. Another example would be for a therapist to validate strong emotions so the client understands their emotions are real and warranted. DBT therapy is like a dance; feeling and validating emotion<\/a>, remaining in facts, and continuing to breathe. It\u2019s a dialectical balance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is also quite exhausting for both parties. Clients and therapists influence each other. Therapists are trained to be positive influences on very difficult clients. The process is emotionally draining for therapists which is why consultation groups are so important. DBT therapists are in consultation groups with their peers. It\u2019s like therapy for therapists.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a relationship first, and behavior changes second.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a clip of Dr. Marsha Linehan speaking on the relational aspects of DBT:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n