Linehan, Marsha

Marsha M. Linehan (1943– ), the developer of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on May 5, 1943. Linehan’s passion for science, spirituality, and helping others was key to the development of DBT. Since the publication in 1993 of the manual on which it is based, DBT has been widely adopted as a treatment for borderline personality disorder and suicidal behaviors. Over time, Linehan and her colleagues in several parts of the world have investigated the use of DBT to treat other disordered behaviors, such as substance use, eating disorders, and depression. More recently, DBT skills are being studied for their effect in enhancing quality of life in families, schools, and organizations. DBT is a cognitive-behavioral therapy that uses principles of acceptance ...