I also enjoyed the thread for I'd not known much about DBT and I know more now. As for what will be the most appropriate treatment for any individual -- chances are, it's going to be one they're receptive to and feel comfortable embracing. Sometimes, it can be helpful to be challenged (such as Elysium shared) but when that does happen, it seems best if the challenge is backed up by some degree of loving feeling. Elysium likely wouldn't have risen to her therapist's challenge if there hadn't been some mutual caring in place. By the same token, there are some forms of treatment I consider to be wholly inappropriate for me and I don't feel badly for rejecting them. I know what feels good for me and what doesn't.

As for "armchair psychology"... Well, aren't we all doing that very thing here at psychcentral?

Sometimes we may not appreciate or care for what we hear but we are always free to pick it up and carry it with us for a while or to leave it lying there. I've picked up Fool Zero's words on more than one occasion and walked with them for a while. I certainly found it beneficial but as always, individual mileage can vary.

~ Namaste