cbt? aba? nO wAY!

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT, was developed in the 1970s by a woman named Marsha Linehan. Linehan worked with "hysterical" women: those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. It's important to note: It is not uncommon for women to receive an initial misdiagnosis of BPD before their diagnosis is later changed to Autism Spectrum Disorder. The success of DBT with both BPD and ASD, then, supports my theory that it is better for most people with any neurodivergence, not just BPD and ASD.

It is only my opinion, but I believe that CBT and ABA are trying to teach neurotypical behavior, while DBT focuses more on the participant's ability to process and manage their emotions and behaviors. The difference is nuanced, but can be highlighted by 

My personal experiences and the conversations I've had with others support this, but of course, neuroscience is constantly evolving. Who knows what they will discover in the near future.

There are several barriers to accessing DBT in most communities. Therefore, sometimes the best solution is to find a therapist who may not be certified in DBT yet, but is open to using skills and approaches that are more in line with DBT.

[Carmel A, Rose ML, Fruzzetti AE. Barriers and solutions to implementing dialectical behavior therapy in a public behavioral health system. Adm Policy Ment Health. 2014 Sep;41(5):608-14. doi: 10.1007/s10488-013-0504-6. PMID: 23754686; PMCID: PMC3835762. ]

 DBT teaches a range of skills through group sessions and homework assignments. These skills are meant to help individuals navigate social and emotional challenges:

1. Mindfulness: Mindfulness skills, such as being fully present in the moment and observing thoughts and emotions without judgment, are foundational in DBT. Mindfulness helps individuals develop awareness and acceptance of their experiences, which can contribute to emotional regulation and overall well-being.
2. Emotion Regulation: DBT equips individuals with strategies to identify, understand, and manage their emotions effectively. This includes learning techniques to reduce emotional vulnerability, increase positive emotions, and navigate intense emotional experiences.
3. Distress Tolerance: DBT teaches individuals how to tolerate distressing situations without resorting to harmful or impulsive behaviors. Techniques such as self-soothing, distraction, and accepting reality are emphasized to help individuals cope with distressing moments in healthier ways.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Building and maintaining healthy relationships is a crucial aspect of DBT. Interpersonal effectiveness skills focus on effective communication, setting boundaries, assertiveness, and problem-solving within relationships.