Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Eating Disorders Treatment

November 26, 2012

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic method of

treatment originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, PhD, to treat adult females

struggling with self-harm and suicidal behaviors. However, research shows that DBT

also successfully treats females and males with eating disorders.

Persons with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or some other forms of disordered

eating often present with intensely negative emotions, impulsive and compulsive

behaviors, and desperate attempts to relieve emotional pain. Assembled from Western

psychology traditions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eastern

meditative practices such as Buddhist mindfulness, DBT provides a pathway to ease

emotional suffering and increase adaptive behavior regardless of an individual’s

background.

DBT consists of four primary principles: Core Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation,

Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Distress Tolerance. Core Mindfulness teaches the skill

of observing, noticing, and describing ones thoughts and feelings as a way to achieve

“wise mind,” the place of truth and clarity. Emotion Regulation skills were designed as a

way to decrease emotional vulnerability and increase positive emotions. Interpersonal

Effectiveness strategizes ways to get along with others peacefully and productively.

Finally, Distress Tolerance focuses on coping with intense emotions and preventing

further self-injury.

Behind DBT is the commitment to the core conditions of acceptance and change, hence

the dialectic process. The dialectic method as used in DBT is the interplay of two

coexisting and possibly even contradictory truths housed inside each of us. DBT practice

is about encouraging the acceptance of self as is while also being motivated to change

where change is realistically possible.

Here at Veritas Collaborative, the DBT program is offered as a skills-based class for the

young men and women with eating disorders under our care. Residents typically attend

DBT groups two to three times per week and are encouraged to practice the skills daily

as circumstances permit. DBT is also woven into various aspects of the the Adolescent

and University Programs such as individual sessions, meal processing, and mileau

therapy. Through this therapeutic process, patients learn to increase self-awareness,

control self-defeating thoughts, and handle conflict and stress. With these skills, the

young males and females under our care can have an increased chance for long-term

recovery from their eating disorder.

-Written by Archana Aragon, LCSW, Psychotherapist

For more information on eating disorder treatment centers in Durham NC please visit

our website.