#AskDBT Therapist

As promised here are the questions and answers from this weekends Ask a DBT Therapist on twitter.  I have adjusted some of the acronyms so it's in full sentences and deleted names.  I plan on doing these every other weekend moving forward:


Q: Can you learn #DBT on your own with a workbook? If so what book would you recommend?  I can't find a group in my area.

A: #DBT is best done in groups, but doing it solo would still be valuable. If you have a 1-on-1 therapist only check in w/ diary cards as well as do a workbook.  Regarding books here is My book list of the ones I recommend to clients.   For new, unstable or those with self harm issues I do weekly 1-on-1's and group. #DBT groups include phone coaching too which can be super useful for those needing a higher level of treatment, more accountability or those whom may have difficulty grasping concepts

Q: What is the difference between distracting with DBT and disassociating?

A: Distress Tolerance is about handling turbulence in an airplane piloted by someone else where as Disassociation is jumping out.

Q: any suggestions for films portraying #BPD 

A: Quite a bit and most are foreign films that may be triggering. Here is the list...  Personally I didn't like Girl Interrupted, but it's the American Borderline movie. I have suspicion Angelina Jolie in real life is Borderline.  Bad Timing (UK, 1980) stars Art Garfunkel  involves suicide attempts, flashbacks, trauma, drugs, alcohol & promiscuity.  Never seen it but Young Adult (US, 2012) has rave reviews.  The Dreamlife of Angels (France, 1998) Lesbian love story and it is amazing, well done and just beautiful, won Cannes best actress.  Blue Sky (US, 1994) A tad over-the-top portrayl of#BPD almost seems like someone just check listed "Cluster B" traits#BPD and made it 2 hours.

Q: How to radically accept someone whom is profiting from hurting me & negatively impacting my future life chances which I am very angry about?

A: According to #DBT there are some situations you don't need to accept and from the sound of it this is abusive- don't accept this.

Q: How do I go about getting DBT?  From what I've seen on here it looks like it would really help me!

A: The big 2 websites to find a therapist are http://www.goodtherapy.org/advanced-search.html and http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/ or google "DBT Groups."   Most US cities have 1 or 2 "DBT Groups," which isn't much and few take insurance. I have done 1-on-1 DBT with some clients solo working out of a #DBT workbook. It is a great benefit to begin "self-DBT," my fav books are on my blog.

Q: I have taken #CBT classes what's the difference from #DBT? 

A: In short DBT is the book and CBT is a chapter; CBT is a form of DBT.  #CBT address thoughts and beliefs and #DBT adresses thoughts, beliefs and actions. DBT also includes acceptance and mindfulness.  I think if you have a #CBT mindset, you would get even more benefit from #DBT because you have some of the foundation already.

Q: I just don't know how I will ever heal. Is it even possible? 

A: Yes! I have seen some amazing resilience.  I have worked with people handling Sevre Mental Illness, death of loved ones, caner treatments and severe abuse. It gets better!