What’s the difference between comprehensive DBT and DBT-informed therapy?
If you’ve spent any time browsing therapy websites, you’ve probably come across many acronyms (CBT, DBT, EFT, DBT-A, just to name a few). These abbreviations represent different therapeutic modalities, and can mean a whole crux of things.
So, what does Dialectical Behavior Therapy actually mean? Let’s break it down:
Dialectical: A synthesis of opposites (e.g., love-hate relationship). In DBT, we focus on balancing accepting where clients are currently with the need for change in their lives.
Behavior: Actions! DBT is focused on making meaningful life changes by shifting behaviors.
Therapy: A space to talk through the highs and lows of life.
DBT was created in the early 90s by Marsha Linehan. Initially designed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder in young women, DBT has since been rigorously researched and found effective in treating a wide range of mental health challenges, including depression, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and more (learn more about the evidence here).
Fully adherent DBT therapy includes four key modes of treatment:
Individual DBT Therapy: Clients meet weekly with a DBT-trained therapist for one-on-one talk therapy, with a strong emphasis on behavior change, validation, and emotional experiencing.
DBT Skills Training: Clients attend weekly skills groups with other DBT participants. These groups are structured like a class and focus on teaching four core skill modules: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. The full curriculum takes about six months to cover, and clients are generally encouraged to complete two full rounds (about one year) of skills training.
DBT Phone Coaching: Clients have the ability to access support from their DBT therapist between sessions to reinforce the skills learned during therapy.
DBT Consultation Team: DBT therapists meet weekly with other DBT therapists to receive support and consultation, ensuring the highest quality of care for their clients.
Comprehensive DBT is especially effective for clients dealing with life-threatening behaviors, extreme emotion dysregulation, and frequent dissociation. However, it does require a significant time commitment—and sometimes a large financial investment. If you're looking for comprehensive DBT in the DMV area, I recommend the Wake Kendall Group, Capital Youth Services, and the DBT Center of Greater Washington (where I provide full fidelity DBT).
What is DBT-Informed Therapy?
Unlike comprehensive DBT, DBT-Informed therapy doesn’t have a universally agreed-upon definition. It may involve teaching a few DBT skills occasionally or integrating up to three of the four DBT modes mentioned earlier.
In my practice, I focus on providing high-quality individual DBT therapy. Here are some of the highlights:
Comprehensive assessment to truly understand what’s going on.
Clear treatment plans, so you’ll always know your goals and how we’re working together to achieve them.
Practical skills to manage your emotions and move forward toward your personal goals.
Actionable homework between sessions to reinforce your progress.
You deserve to know exactly what type of treatment you’re receiving!
If you’re working with a DBT therapist, I encourage you to ask whether you're receiving comprehensive DBT or DBT-Informed care. Both approaches can be incredibly helpful in different contexts.