What is DBT?

DBT is a cognitive-behavioral approach to therapy developed by Marsha M. Linehan, PhD. It applies behavioral science, mindfulness, and a focused balance between acceptance and encouragement toward change to help individuals with the following problems:

Research:

DBT is based in behavioral science, which means that its methods have been tested by empirical research.

• It is one of the only treatments with demonstrated effectiveness for reducing suicidal behavior with chronically suicidal clients with Borderline Personality Disorder and multi-disordered clients.
• It has been shown to be effective in helping reduce suicide attempts, selfinjuring behavior, substance abuse, bulimia, binge eating, and depression in the elderly.
• In 2006, a study was done to compare DBT to non-behavior treatment-by-experts, and the findings suggest that DBT’s effectiveness is not due to expert psychotherapy, but rather the rigorous application of the program’s 5 modalities.
• Once fully operational, our company will be one of the few who will abide by all of these modalities.

The 5 Modalities:

DBT is structured so that a person has a comprehensive support team involved in their treatment. This includes weekly individual psychotherapy sessions, skills training, as needed phone consultation, peer consultations between therapists to ensure quality of care.

• Phone consultation ensures that the therapy is used in the outside world and is used to provide support in applying the skills that have been learned in the DBT process.
• A consultation team meets on a regular base to enhance the skill and motivation of members on the team. It is of primary importance that the therapists and group leaders seek the support of their peers in helping individuals through DBT treatment.
• The primary purpose of individual psychotherapy sessions is to enhance the individual’s motivation to change. This is done first by accepting the person and their situation at face value, and then gently guiding them towards a healthier style of living their life.
• Skills training is done through the group process, and its purpose is to give individuals the tools to change. These are not generally used for group processing, but rather, to teach skills that are necessary to withstand the difficulties of life, and enhance a person’s ability to change.
• DBT is designed so that the therapeutic environment supports clients and therapists to work together toward a safer, and less painful future. Thus, the DBT team will provide ancillary support services as the situation demands.

Currently this program is available for adolescents only and in the future will be open to adults also. If you are interested in participation in this program or making a referral, please contact Jason at 608-445-4286. You can also read our brochure.

Currently Foundations Counseling Center is not a provider for HMO insurance. Contact your insurance program to see if you are eligible for this program.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that this program will not be fully operational at the initial outset. Our intention is to have fully functional groups, but this modality will be limited to the number of participants that we receive. Once we acquire the required number of clients, the group modality will be started. All other modalities will be employed, however. Until then, our treatment is considered DBT informed.