The frequency of therapy sessions for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) after starting Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the symptoms, the individual's needs, and the treatment plan agreed upon by the therapist and the client. Generally, DBT consists of four primary modes of treatment: individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultation meetings. Here's a typical breakdown:
Individual Therapy: In DBT, individuals typically attend one-on-one therapy sessions with their therapist. Initially, these sessions are often scheduled on a weekly basis. As progress is made and stability is achieved, the frequency of individual sessions may decrease to bi-weekly or even monthly, depending on the individual's needs.
Group Skills Training: DBT also involves group therapy sessions where individuals learn and practice coping skills to manage their emotions, interpersonal difficulties, and distress. Group skills training sessions are typically held weekly and last for a set duration, often around 2 to 2.5 hours.
Phone Coaching: DBT includes the provision of phone coaching between therapy sessions. Clients can contact their therapists for brief support and guidance when experiencing distress or struggling with skill implementation.
Therapist Consultation Meetings: DBT therapists also participate in a consultation team to ensure they are providing the best possible treatment to their clients. These meetings are for the therapists themselves and do not involve the clients.
As for things individuals could work on outside of therapy sessions, DBT places significant emphasis on skill-building and generalization of learned skills to daily life. Some things they can work on include:
Mindfulness Practice: Engage in mindfulness exercises regularly to improve self-awareness, emotional regulation, and overall coping.
Emotion Regulation Techniques: Practice the emotion regulation skills learned in DBT, such as identifying and labeling emotions, reducing emotional vulnerability, and effectively managing distress.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Work on improving communication skills, setting boundaries, and building and maintaining healthy relationships.
Distress Tolerance Skills: Develop strategies to tolerate distressing situations without resorting to harmful behaviors.
Problem-Solving Skills: Learn and implement problem-solving strategies to address life challenges effectively.
Use of Diary Cards: Keep track of emotions, behaviors, and skill usage using diary cards to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.
Engaging in Pleasant Activities: Incorporate enjoyable and meaningful activities into daily routines to enhance positive emotions and reduce negative emotions.
Avoiding Substance Abuse: If substance abuse is a concern, work on maintaining sobriety and seeking additional support if needed.
It's essential for individuals undergoing DBT to collaborate closely with their therapists, follow the treatment plan, and practice skills regularly outside of therapy to achieve the best outcomes. Consistency, dedication, and patience are key to making progress in managing BPD symptoms and improving overall well-being.