Dialectical Behavior Therapy of Borderline and Other Personality Disorders

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that draws on principles from Zen practice, dialectical philosophy, and behavioral science, and it is based on a biosocial model of borderline personality disorder. The treatment has four components—individual therapy, group skills training, telephone coaching, and therapist consultation team—and it progresses through four stages, depending on the client’s level of disorder. In the current chapter, we expand on the theory behind the treatment and the treatment structure, as well as present evidence for the efficacy of DBT from several randomized controlled trials. We also discuss implications for the use of DBT for multidiagnostic patients—including a review of a new adaptation of DBT for emotionally constricted and overcontrolled disorders.