DBT is often misunderstood as being too easy with clients. The podcast clarifies that DBT is about balance between acceptance and change. They discuss the importance of meeting clients where they are and addressing misconceptions in higher levels of care. Assumptions within DBT and the challenges of finding the balance between acceptance and change are explored. The effectiveness of acceptance strategies for bringing about change is emphasized.
DBT is a behavior therapy that requires meeting clients where they are at, accepting their current state, and guiding them towards meaningful change.
DBT combines acceptance and change strategies to create a safe and supportive environment for clients while instilling hope for improvement.
Deep dives
The Misunderstanding of DBT Being Too Soft
In this podcast episode, the hosts address the common complaint that DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is considered too soft. They explain that this misconception arises due to a lack of understanding about the balancing act between acceptance and change in DBT. They emphasize that DBT is a behavior therapy that requires meeting clients where they are at, accepting their current state, and guiding them towards meaningful change. The hosts also discuss the complexity of working with difficult and complex clients who may have multiple disorders and challenging behaviors. They highlight the importance of balancing acceptance with the need for change, and the necessity of teaching clients skills to respond effectively to their environment.
Decreasing Shame and Cultivating Hope in DBT
The podcast explores the role of acceptance-based assumptions in DBT, particularly in relation to reducing shame and fostering hope. They discuss assumptions such as 'everyone's doing their best and can do better' and 'lives of suicidal clients are currently unbearable'. These assumptions aim to create a safe and supportive environment for clients, acknowledging their current struggles while instilling hope for improvement. The hosts stress that DBT demands significant effort and commitment from both clients and therapists. They highlight the importance of skill-building, generalizing new behaviors to various contexts, and the need for clients to take responsibility for their own growth and change.
DBT: Integration of Acceptance and Change
The hosts delve into the integration of acceptance and change in DBT, dispelling the misconception that it solely focuses on acceptance and lacks a commitment to change. They explain that DBT teaches clients to accept the reality of their situations and develop coping strategies to create a better future. The hosts discuss the balance between radical acceptance and the push for change, acknowledging the necessity of both strategies in facilitating effective therapy. They emphasize the importance of not validating the invalid and the need for clients to put in the hard work and effort to learn new behaviors and responses to achieve meaningful change.
Ulland and Jo address judgments towards DBT they have heard more than once regarding being “too easy” with clients. They discuss how those unfamiliar with acceptance strategies are more likely to misunderstand how acceptance is used to meet clients where they are so that meaningful change can happen. They review some of the assumptions within DBT that make this possible. Please review the previous episode that reviews specific assumptions for further details. Ulland and Jo realized they had not previously covered ALL the assumptions.
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