Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Michaela A. Swales is a lecturer-practitioner in clinical psychology at Bangor University and a consultant clinical psychologist at the North Wales Adolescent Service, North Wales NHS Trust. She is the Director of the British Isles DBT Training Team. Heidi L. Heard is a senior trainer for BehavioralTech, USA and an international consultant and supervisor in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. She has written extensively about DBT and borderline personality disorder.

PART I: The Distinctive Theoretical Features of DBT. Principle-Driven Treatment. Integrative Treatment. Dialectical Principles. Emphasis on the Primary of Affect. Transactional Theory of Capability and Motivational Deficits. Learning Theory I: Classical Conditioning. Learning Theory II: Operant Conditioning. A Behavioural Approach to Diagnosis. Zen Principles. PART II: The Distinctive Practical Features of DBT. Developing Modalities to Fulfil Specific Functions. Coaching on the Phone. Consulting in a Team. Treating the System. Structuring the Treatment in Stages. Strengthening Commitment in Pre-Treatment. Targeting Behaviours According to a Hierarchy. Validating in the Current Context or Clients’ Inherent Capabilities. Analysing Behaviours, With a Twist or Two. Integrating Multiple CBT Procedures in a Solution Analysis. Using Skilful Means. Exposing to a Variety of Affects. Managing Contingencies in the Therapeutic Context. Changing Cognitive Behaviours. Being Dialectical. Using Self-Disclosure. Confronting and Being Irreverent. Consulting to the Client. Treating the Client’s Therapy-Interfering Behaviour. Treating the Therapist. Evidence for Efficacy and Effectiveness.