[seoultous]

Does anyone have experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)? Did you notice any real benefit from it? While its usually used for BPD my therapist suggested we try it. I asked if she had diagnosed me with BPD but she said no. So...

[Out There]

I've considered this as an alternative to CBT , I would like to look at the workbooks. I don't have BPD but different types of therapy can be used for all sorts of things.

[ScarletPimpernel]

DBT isn't just for BPD anymore. Any type of person could gain a benefit, even one w/o a mental illness.

I haven't had full DBT. I've only had modified. I find the concepts helpful so long as I remember them.

[unlockingsanity]

I found the most challenging thing about doing DBT and having bipolar, is if you have a mixed group of people who, for example, have BPD.

I don't want anyone to be hurt by this, but I found it very difficult to combine these two groups of people as some people with BPD really controlled the conversation and were very manipulative and it took away from the experience.

I know not all BPD people are like this, but this was my experience when I tried it out. It was so distracting that I couldn't continue.

I mean no offense to anyone here.

[ScarletPimpernel]

I had the opposite experience. It was a woman with Bipolar who talked over everyone and verbally attacked me.

I'm in a CBT (one on one) program but the therapist borrows frequently from the DBT toolbox. I'm nearing the end of the 12wk course and I must say it has been very positive. I have developed a number of strategies that soothe and help me better manage my anxieties, low self esteem, and depression. I highly recommend it.

This is MY understanding of the difference between the two:
- CBT is more about challenging Negative Core Beliefs and developing coping skills to manage anxiety and depression
- DBT additionally teaches Mindfullness as a coping and management skill. It also challenges one's behavioural responses.