[splitimage]

My psychologist at my rehab and my pdoc both think I could benefit from DBT. But my psych hospital is the only hospital in Toronto, that offers it, and its program has something like a 2 year waiting list. My pdoc told me that the Canadian Mental Health Agency offered it, but when i called them they said that they'd discontinued the program.

So I've spent the afternoon googling and phoning around and have managed to find a few DBT therapists. I can't believe how few there are in a city of 4 million people.

Anyway I found a private clinic which runs a 20 week, 2 hours a week program, that costs $2,400. That's actually pretty good for private therapy. I'd feel better about it, if I was actually working, but I figure I could really benefit from the treatment so I'm willing to put it on my credit card.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has any experience with having done DBT? Did it help with mood regulation? Was it really intense? Anything I should ask before going in?

Thanks.

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[Travelinglady]

I've been through two DBT programs. It is a very intense treatment, if done properly. For example, there is "homework" to be done, and you will need to be cooperative. Make sure you are willing to be prepared to work hard at it before you take it on.

DBT is very popular now, and it has been found to be helpful for problems such as BPD and BD. "Mindfulness" is one technique that's used in it--where a person is trained to concentrate on the present.

i am currently a few months in.. it is really hard.. but i keep getting told that it does help but it takes time.

3 girls from my group graduated yesterday after their yr in DBT and they were all saying they are doing a lot better now than they were before by far but there is still a long way to go in therapy before things are 'better'.

i'm not sure how helpful a 20 week one will be because from what i've been told it take about 4-6months before things 'click' and make sense and then you start understanding more and therefore it helping more..

good luck.

[splitimage]

Thanks payne and thequietonexx,

I've decided to try it out. i talked it over with my addictions Dr. today, and she was in favour of it.

I really hope it helps.

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[DaveyJones]

I found it helpful, even the short course I took. It certainly was not the complete answer for me, but I learned several things that help me to get through the day. Good luck!

"Maturity is simply a better
grasp on cause and effect"

[carla.cdt]

I did DBT a few years ago. As someone mentionned before, it has to be done properly and few therapist have had extensive training in DBT. In a private DBT setting, you might have great/trained therapist.
I would ask when I register what is the training you therapist had and the other therrapists that do the group had too. You want someone that is well train and continue with training and supervision.
Good luck

[Mogie]

Try: http://www.dbtselfhelp.com/

I've found it helpful.

[Dccibf]

I am very interested in applying DBT to my life. I learned it four years ago, but didn't seem able at the time to utilize it.

I do remember the web site you recommend, it's outstanding and very user-friendly.

[Dccibf]

To Davey Jones:

Your name jumped out at me. I'm guessing you are a big fan. I'm a huge fan of David Cassidy. David and Davy were to perform together in April. If you are interested, YouTube has videos of David's tribute to Davy. David decided to go along with the concert to give tribute. I hope I am not being too presumptuous.

[Towanda]

Just something to keep in mind with DBT therapy. The therapy and therapists are totally solution focused. So, for example, if you were really upset about something and you called a T, they wouldn't ask what was wrong or try to soothe you, they will be totally focused on what you did to try to change the situation and solve the problem by yourself. I'm not saying that's wrong - it's just that when people are used to traditional therapy, it can seem harsh or unnerving or even uncaring the first couple of times it happens. Also, in the DBT groups, again, problems or personal issues are usually not discussed - group discussion is solution focused.

[splitimage]

Thanks everyone. I'm now almost done the DBT program - 4 more weeks to go. It has been so helpful. I'd say it's been some of the most useful therapy I've done, even though it was expensive. I really like the skills focus. It's been really intense, especially having to try to practice the skills, but I feel like it's helped me get me through some situations where previously I would have acted in a self destructive fashion. I was also really lucky to get 2 extremely well trained facilitators so the groups have always been good.

So suffice it to say - I'm a big fan.

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[dachigrl]

Originally Posted by Towanda

Just something to keep in mind with DBT therapy. The therapy and therapists are totally solution focused. So, for example, if you were really upset about something and you called a T, they wouldn't ask what was wrong or try to soothe you, they will be totally focused on what you did to try to change the situation and solve the problem by yourself. I'm not saying that's wrong - it's just that when people are used to traditional therapy, it can seem harsh or unnerving or even uncaring the first couple of times it happens. Also, in the DBT groups, again, problems or personal issues are usually not discussed - group discussion is solution focused.

Thank you so much for posting this! I'm new to DBT and have been working with it and a DBT therapist for about 2.5 mos now. My T has encouraged me to call when things are super rough and when I do it's been more painful to talk to him than deal with it on my own and it's because of this approach. I couldn't put my finger on what was going on. I've brought it up a couple of times but haven't had any real resolution yet but it has shown me that this particular approach doesn't work for me when I'm in acute emotional pain. Knowing what my T is doing with me helps me to better understand what's going on and resource myself in finding the best support for any given experience. I really really appreciate this! Thank you!

On a side note, I'm enjoying my DBT work. I think it is helping me learn how to be with myself and be with whatever is occuring in a more gentle non-judgemental way. It does take time, work and patience to practice and get to a point where there are noticeable differents but I find it very helpful and I appreciate that it's a newer therapy with a more spiritual component to it which really works for me.