Comprehensive DBT Consists of 4 Components:
Weekly individual therapy (typically 45-60 minutes):
Sessions are structured with the use of a Diary Card to ensure that the clients targets are being addressed (Behaviors that aren’t targeted do not change)
Ensure that the individual therapist has received intensive DBT training or is a DBT-LBC, Certified Clinician™ or supervised by someone who has been intensively trained or is a DBT-LBC, Certified Clinician™.
2. Weekly DBT skills training group (2 hours):
Group is didactic in nature and NOT a process group. Skills training requires that both teaching of new material AND a review of assigned weekly homework is conducted.
For Adult DBT-research indicates that outcomes for adult clients are best if they complete 2 full cycles of the program’s skills training curriculum.
For Adolescent DBT, the group is typically a Multi-Family Group where the client and caregivers attend together.
3. In between session phone coaching:
In between session support is provided 24-7 to help the client use skills in daily life and generalize skills to their natural day-to-day stressors.
4. Clinician Consultation Team meeting:
DBT clinicians participate in a weekly consultation team meeting with other therapists providing DBT to receive support.
You can read more about Comprehensive DBT on the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification website here.
