The Use Of DBT In PTSD Treatment Granbury TX

By Dorothy Sullivan


People who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder often experience a host of symptoms that go hand-in-hand with this illness. They may experience frequent bouts of anxiety and panic. They also might suffer from debilitating depression that leaves them unable to get out of bed for days on end. All of these symptoms combined can make it difficult or impossible for sufferers to engage fully in society. By undergoing dialectical behavior therapy as part of your PTSD treatment Granbury TX patients like you might regain your good mental and emotional health in a matter of months.

A therapist named Marsha Lenahan developed DBT more than 20 years ago. From its relatively humble beginnings to now, it has gained increasing notice among therapists and psychologists who treat patients for a host of mental ailments like depression and anxiety. It was originally created to address bipolar disorder in patients. However, it has shown effective in treating more conditions like panic disorder and severe depression in patients.

The basis of DBT revolves around the four components of Core Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. These four components encompass therapeutic skills that patients practice on a daily basis while they are in therapy. These skills range from being mindful to distracting oneself in a healthy way. It also includes radical acceptance and acting opposite to one's emotions.

The scientific studies that have been conducted regarding DBT have shown that people often have higher success rates with recovering than people who rely solely on medications or individual therapy. People in DBT also have to go to individual therapy sessions. However, they take a one-year long DBT course that is in essence group therapy where they learn skills and practice what they learn on a regular basis.

Patients practice their skills in group sessions with their fellow classmates. They also practice with therapists who lead their groups. However, outside of the therapy group, people also are expected to practice these skills on their own. They keep track of their progress with diary cards they must turn in weekly to their therapists.

Another aspect of DBT involves filling out and submitting weekly diary cards. The diary cards are formatted to take note of effective and ineffective behaviors. People rate on a scale from zero to five, with five being the most intense or destructive rating, behaviors ranging from feeling suicidal to experiencing joy and wanting to quit going to therapy.

They also take part in individual therapy sessions on a weekly basis. These sessions are a chance for patients to vent and express frustrations. They also are challenged by their therapists to try new behaviors like going into stores alone or socializing with people again. These challenges help people overcome emotional and mental challenges and also change their lives.

The skills learned in DBT can help people overcome mental health challenges like DBT. It has four components that allow people to engage in society and also create a life worth living again. People who go through it often have better chances of sustained recovery without needing additional services. This type of therapy is taught in a growing number of facilities around the country.




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