DBT-Informed Art Therapy

DBT-informed art therapy encourages patients to engage with and retain the three key concepts of mindfulness, metaphorical thinking, and mastery, to better understand and control their emotions. This highly practical resource provides thorough explanations and training for successfully integrating DBT therapy into current art therapy practice.

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Understand DBT-informed art therapy, and how to apply it to your practice. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) treats problems with emotion regulation, and is especially effective in treating chronic self-harming and suicidal behaviors associated with Borderline Personality Disorder. Combining the structure and skill development of DBT with the creativity and non-verbal communication of art therapy can be a significant advantage in treating patients who are resistant to talking therapy.

This book gives a comprehensive overview of the growing literature and research on DBT-informed art therapy, drawing upon the work of pioneers in the field to explain different types of DBT-informed art therapy and the 'Three Ms' at its core: Mindfulness, Metaphor and Mastery. It also includes creative visual exercises and activities for developing the skills of core mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and non-judgemental acceptance among clients.