DBT

Have you found it useful? Which aspects?

I think the Buddhist and Stoic aspects are very good for those who care too much at times (all of us, I'd say), the dialectical bit and the "Teflon mind" bit.

Basically, some self-transcendence, self-reflection and distancing from you emotions, some emotion-reason dissociation of sorts.

Do you think it can be done individually (and without a therapist)?

I've been wanting to do it because it was recommended to me by my pdoc and 2 different psychologists

I suppose I could do it individually, because there's a DBT workbook available online, but I need someone to drive me to do it. I know I'll fail on my own because I'm lazy!

Is it specifically DBT or could it be CBT that you need. It is my understanding that DBT is specific to personality disorders.

Both were created for personality disorders, mainly DSM-IV B cluster ones, specifically borderline personality.

I have a (borderline) personality disorder. But I think most of us, generally, have some of that. The opposite type of personality develops in quite a few as well, maybe, but is also dysfunctional. Personality being (psycho)dynamic, I'd say if you have the former, you probably also have the mirror-image personality—if you have BP.

There is probably also a (more general) personality type for mood disorders, and a bit more specific for BP.

There is DBT book for BP.
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook for Bipolar Disorder by Sheri Van Dijk MSW, Zindel V. Segal PhD

Isn't there anyone currently in a therapy group? Or using a workbook or other material?

I'll have a look at some workbooks or online material.

I have a DBT workbook (which I cannot currently locate or I'd give the title). I think it can be very effective and working with a professional even more so. My husband and I plan to go to DBT classes together soon. My husband used to teach a DBT class also, but he would agree he needs more help in this area.

I believe DBT is something nearly everyone can benefit from. Some more so than others of course.

I like it because it's so comprehensive. I've worked through many sections with my T and pick and choose to practice skills as I need to. It's my go-to for solutions to a lot of stuff that hasn't been working for me.

What kind of stuff does it help you with? What aspects/parts of DBT or can't you really cherry-pick like that? So that I may know what might help for me.

Do you have a borderline personality (or some traits) as well as BP?