DBT individual therapy/coaching
Comprehensive DBT is an evidence-based treatment for individuals for whom standard therapy has not provided adequate support. In addition to individual therapy, it includes skills training and coaching. Skills training is often, but not always, provided in a group format. Find a more in depth description of DBT skills training HERE.
DBT individual Therapy
DBT individual therapy looks similar to standard therapy. It is usually one time per week for about 45 minutes. However, it is a more structured approach that organizes the session around your established goals. The goals encompass a 3-level hierarchy: (1) high-risk target behaviors, such as cutting, suicidal thoughts, substance usage and disordered eating, (2) treatment-interfering behaviors, such as lateness, absences and environmental constraints, and (3) quality of life goals, such as employment, education, health and relationships. The client keeps a diary card during the week to keep track of the goals in order to improve upon areas of difficulty and further foster strengths.
DBT Coaching
Coaching involves phone/text contact with your individual therapist during the week. Coaching is probably one of the most misunderstood aspects of DBT.
While it would certainly be appropriate to reach out to your therapist in a crisis, its purpose goes far beyond crisis intervention. Rather, coaching is primarily meant as a means to promote skill generalization to the client’s day-to-day life. Thus, when the client is facing a distressing situation, it is encouraged to first attempt to utilize DBT skills to manage the situation. If successful, the client is encouraged to share these successes with the therapist. If still struggling, the client is welcome to request guidance in using skills to manage the problem.
At the beginning of therapy, your individual therapist will inform you what days and hours they are available for coaching, and what to do when the therapist is not immediately available. Coaching will often taper as the treatment proceeds and the client becomes more skilled.