1. DBT – dialectical behavioural therapy
Colette Adrian 2012

2. Specifically designed for those with borderline personality disorder
BPD is considered one of the most difficult disorders to treat
People with this diagnosis often present with – suicide attempts, suicide threats, displays of hostility
DBT is a form of CBT specifically for this group

3. Targets of skills training in DBT
Mindfulness
Distress tolerance
Interpersonal effectiveness
Emotion regulation techniques

4. Core skill of the therapist
Validation validation validation
The essence of validation is communicating that his or her private responses (emotions, thoughts, assumptions, actions) are understandable and reasonable.
Has a number of benefits – the biggest being validation balances the therapist’s push for change

5. Validation strategies
Emotional validation strategies
Opportunities for expression, naming emotions, feelings are valid
Behavioural validation strategies
Accepting behaviour in non-judgemental manner
Cognitive validation strategies
Finding the kernel of truth
Cheerleading strategies
You are doing your best

6. Levels of validation Active observing- attentive, AWAKE
Reflecting the observed – not judging merit or encouraging “is this how it is for you right now?”
Articulating the unobserved – perceptively understand what is meant without the person having to explain things.
Validation in terms of past – describe how behaviour makes sense given that in the past….
Validation in terms of present – this behaviour makes sense given what’s happening right now

7. Level 6 of validation
Radical acceptance – you are what you are and I can handle it, and you can handle it.
What’s done is done, and I’m still here, lets move forward together.