Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a treatment that was originally developed for highly suicidal individuals who did not benefit from standard treatments, but later, it evolved into a treatment for complex, multidiagnostic individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT is based on change-based principles derived from behavioral science, acceptance-based principles derived from Zen and contemplative practice, and dialectical philosophy. Standard DBT is comprehensive, involving four modes: (1) individual therapy, (2) skills training, (3) 24-hour phone consultation, and (4) DBT consultation team meetings for therapists. Ancillary treatments (e.g., pharmacotherapy and case management) are also part of the comprehensive model.

Historical Context

The development of DBT began in the 1970s with the psychologist Marsha Linehan. Linehan completed her graduate training in experimental- personality psychology followed by a clinical internship ...

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