Dialectical behaviour therapy : distinctive features

Includes bibliographical references (pages 147-155) and index.

Principle-driven treatment -- Integrative treatment -- Dialectical principles -- Emphasis on the primacy of affect -- Transactional biosocial theory -- Learning theory I: Classical conditioning -- Learning theory II: Operant conditioning -- A behavioural approach to diagnosis -- Zen principles -- Implementing treatment modalities to fulfil programme functions -- Coaching on the phone -- Consulting in a team -- Treating the system -- Structuring the treatment in stages -- Strengthening commitment in pre-treatment -- Targeting behaviours according to a hierarchy -- Validating in the current context or clients' inherent capabilities -- Analyzing behaviours, with a twist or two -- Integrating multiple CBT procedures in a solution analysis -- Using skilful means -- Exposing to a variety of affects -- Managing contingencies in the therapeutic context -- Changing cognitive behaviours -- Being dialectical -- Using self-disclosure -- Confronting and being irreverent -- Consulting to the client -- Treating the client's therapy-interfering behaviour -- Treating the therapist -- Evidence for efficacy and effectiveness.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach used to treat individuals with complex psychological disorders, particularly chronically suicidal individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The therapy articulates a series of principles that effectively guide clinicians in responding to problematic behaviours. Treated problems include, among others, attempting suicide, bingeing, purging, using illegal drugs and behaviours that directly impede the treatment.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: Distinctive Features highlights theoretical and practical features of the treatment using extensive clinical examples to demonstrate how the theory translates into practice. This updated edition reviews recent modifications to the structure of the treatment and considers more recent research evidence for both the biosocial theory underpinning the treatment and treatment efficacy. The book provides a clear overview of a complex treatment, through a unique application of strategies and a discussion of a comprehensive treatment programme that structures the therapeutic journey for the client.

The book will be of interest to clinicians wanting to develop their knowledge about the treatment, prior to formal training; post-graduate students in mental health seeking to learn how to conceptualize complex problems; DBT trained clinicians who require a useful précis of the treatment with clinical examples, and clients about to embark upon this treatment. This book provides a clear and structured overview of a complex treatment. It is written for both practising clinicians and students wishing to learn more about DBT and how it differs from the other cognitive behaviour therapies.