Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Dubai
Find Balance and Emotional Resilience with DBT in Dubai
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) uses techniques found in cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practice. The word “dialectical” means combining opposite ideas. This type of therapy acknowledges that life is often complex and requires balancing differing viewpoints and emotional responses. The key is to be able to manage intense emotions.
Zita Chriszto is a licensed clinical psychologist in Dubai who is trained to provide DBT services. She personalizes the sessions to provide each client with the tools they need to address their specific concerns.
Everyone feels sad, scared, or anxious. If these feelings occur more frequently or intensely, you should contact Zita to see if she offers DBT as the right treatment for this situation.
Conditions Treated with Dialectical Behavior Therapy
A psychologist named Marsha Linehan developed DBT in the 1970s to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). Linehan believed BPD stems from emotional dysregulation resulting in poor impulse control and unstable relationships. Experts have since adapted it to treat other mental conditions such as eating disorders and substance abuse. It is also used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.
Procedure Details
The therapist conducts an initial assessment to see if this kind of therapy is suitable for the patient’s goals. They may conduct the sessions individually or in groups. A typical session lasts about an hour and is scheduled weekly.
A good therapist knows how to personalize treatment. The typical structure addresses the most pressing issues first. Examples of these are self-harming or suicidal behaviors. The last sessions focus on developing the mechanisms to improve their quality of life.
Key Points about our Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Dubai
- Combination of CBT and Mindfulness: Both CBT techniques and mindfulness practices are used for a comprehensive therapeutic approach.
- Target Population: DBT is especially beneficial for individuals with borderline personality disorder and self-harm tendencies.
- Focus on Skill Development: Concentrates on building skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Mindfulness Practices: Incorporates mindfulness to enhance present-moment awareness and acceptance.
- Evidence-Based: Supported by research, showing effectiveness in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Goals of DBT
Although each person might have their own goals, DBT focuses on emotional management. Improving control over intense emotions should ideally help individuals achieve positive changes in behaviors and well-being.
Therapeutic Techniques Used in Dialectical Behavior Therapy
The objective of DBT is to give a person a better grasp of emotions. Four main skill sets accomplish this. The first is emotional regulation, which is the ability to be less reactive to feelings.
The second skill DBT tries to develop is distress tolerance. This is when a person is able to accept and respond to distressing situations without using unhealthy behaviors to cope. Next is interpersonal effectiveness or communicating effectively to maintain good relationships while maintaining self-respect.
Finally, mindfulness is taught in DBT to be more attuned to the present.
Therapist’s Role in DBT
The therapist is tasked with responding to the client’s emotional reactions. Feelings are not invalidated. Instead, the therapist teaches techniques to help regulate these emotions.
Client’s Role in DBT
The therapist might assign homework outside of the regular DBT sessions. This can be mindfulness exercises or keeping a journal. The idea behind these additional work is to reinforce the skills taught during therapy. The client should be committed to the treatment to maximize its benefits.
Benefits and Challenges of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Dubai
DBT is backed by studies as an effective way to improve mental health conditions in people. Some of the benefits are lessening destructive behaviors and emotional issues. As a means to develop interpersonal skills, receiving DBT is valuable in Dubai’s diverse, multicultural professional landscape.
However, DBT requires active participation from a person going through it. Time needs to be invested. It also requires the person to examine their emotions and work through them. This can be upsetting for some, especially during the early parts of treatment.
Effectiveness and Research on DBT
Studies show that DBT is effective in improving psychopathology and depressive symptoms in people with BPD. Authors Hernandez-Bustamante et al., in a paper titled “Efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials” reviewed studies until 2023 and found that DBT lessens the risk of hospitalizations. In addition, Ritschel, L., Cheavens, J., & Nelson, J. wrote in the Journal of Clinical Psychology that DBT is effective in reducing anxiety, improving outlook, and reducing depression in people with mental disorders.
When to Seek Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Dubai
Emotions are a part of life. Even extreme emotions can be normal if they only happen once in a while or are manageable. DBT is for people who experience rapidly changing emotions and go through destructive behaviors because of them. Some examples of these are substance abuse, verbal or physical altercations, or risky sexual behaviors. DBT can also be helpful if these intense emotions affect relationships.
Living in a fast-paced city like Dubai can expose someone to many stressors. If these are not properly addressed, mental health issues can occur. One way to offset the strain of living in the city is receiving DBT care. This type of therapy is effective for individuals who need structured support to manage emotional dysregulation and interpersonal challenges.
Conclusion
DBT is a proven method of improving a person’s well-being through emotional management. It is particularly useful for people with BPD. As a subset of cognitive behavioral therapy, the approach is structured and requires the participation of the client. In DBT, the therapist and patient resolve the conflict between self-acceptance and change to create positive changes. They use validation to encourage cooperation and reduce the distress that often comes with the idea of change. The best way to find out if DBT is right for you is to talk to a trained professional. They will assess your symptoms and goals to determine if DBT is a good fit.
As a DHA-licensed psychologist with over five years of experience, I offer Psychotherapy in Dubai. My approach is compassionate and personalized, focusing on enhancing your relationships and mental health. If you’re ready to make meaningful changes, I’m here to support your journey toward a more connected life through IPT.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dialectical Behavior Therapy
How long does DBT last?
DBT is a recovery-based treatment method. The framework is designed to graduate from the program once they are equipped with the skills needed to manage their emotions. Typically, treatment lasts for six months to a year. disputes, role transitions, and interpersonal deficits.
Why is mindfulness important in DBT?
Mindfulness is important in DBT because it teaches people to be present and accountable for their thoughts. This is considered the first step in addressing how these thoughts influence their actions and emotions.
How is DBT different from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
DBT is a subset of cognitive behavioral therapy. The key difference lies in validation. This is when the therapist acknowledges a person’s thoughts during therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy assumes that certain negative thoughts are distortions and can be swapped with more positive ones. DBT disagrees with these thoughts instead of invalidating them.
Who is not a good candidate for DBT?
DBT is an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. However, it is not effective for people who are experiencing cognitive impairment. An example of this is active psychosis. These types of situations limit the ability for self-examination and new learning.
What are the types of sessions in DBT?
DBT sessions can be done individually and in groups. Group DBT sessions are conducted like classroom environments where the therapist teaches DBT skills. It is not expected for the members of the group to share their problems with one another.
DBT sessions may take the form of phone or digital crisis coaching. These refer to contact with the therapist in between sessions to address an immediate need.
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