[BadGirlBlues]

Ive been bipolar for decades, and am med compliant, and caring for myself the best I can. My psych doc thinks therapy might be helpful, for learning strategies to better cope with stressors and negative self talk. Has anyone tried DBT, or CBT, or any type of therapy that they found helpful? I have always been very resistant to therapy in any form, as I hate telling anyone my business for fear of being judged. I've been with my psych doc since 2007, so I trust her by now.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I attended a dbt group for two years. My therapist and I still work in dbt skills. Highly suggest it for anyone not just those with borderline d/o

[Crazy Hitch]

I find more depends on the actual therapist themselves than the techniques they use. I’ve seen some crap therapists. My current one is great!

[raspberrytorte]

DBT didn't help me when I took it, but I also didn't take it very seriously because I don't have borderline personality disorder... I plan on taking a DBT course again though and taking it seriously this time, so maybe it'll help me.

[Nammu]

DBT wasn’t around when I was doing therapy. I did CBT but it took a long time for it to help. I hear DBT is quicker than Cbt, I don’t know if that’s true. But much depends on the therapist and you. How much you are willing to work at it. I have no doubt that the reason it took so long for me was that I wanted instant relief, it doesn’t work that way no matter what therapy you use, or what your diagnosis is, you need to practice changing the responses and thoughts.

Good luck.

[Aviza]

I took dbt and have found it very helpful. I've created better boundaries with people. I'm in more control of my emotions there are rare instances but I usually catch myself. Go for it!

[BadGirlBlues]

Thanks, everyone. I'm going to give it a try. Maybe it'll help! Stress triggers me so badly, I have to try something.

[Brentus]

I agree with what others have said -- I've been in DBT for a year or so and it's been very beneficial for me. Emotion regulation is a big piece that isn't tied to just borderline, but most mood disorders! It can be very helpful in that realm especially.

[Fuzzybear]

I agree with the others. I also think the quality of the therapist is more important than the technique they use (are they compassionate, intelligent, empathic etc)

[MuddyBoots]

I'm doing DBT right now and I've only done the mindfulness and distress tolerance modules so far and I've found them helpful, although I haven't practiced the skills enough to have mastered them so I'm still kind of a mess (and I still haven't done the emotional regulation/interpersonal relationship modules so there's that).

When I do use the skills, they help me out so much. There's been quite a few times I actually use them and have avoided self-destructive behaviors successfully.