Online DBT therapy for BPD - How we can help with DBT

Online counseling is increasing in popularity due to its convenience, wide selection of therapists and pricing options. Since the long-term restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have made it more constrictive when obtaining in-person therapy services, online counseling has become a viable alternative if you're in need of support. If you have BPD, you may have heard of DBT as a recent and effective treatment approach that's now available with many online counseling services.

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What is DBT?

Short for dialectical behavior therapy, DBT began as a treatment approach for those dealing with borderline personality disorder and who had chronic suicidal ideations or frequent bouts with self-mutilation. Consequently, this form of cognitive behavioral therapy has also been proven as an effective form of treatment for those with mood disorders, eating disorders and even substance abuse issues.

As a form of talk therapy, DBT focuses on thoughts, beliefs, actions and behaviors that may interfere with your ability to deal with unsettling situations or negatively impact your quality of life. Although there are other treatment options that may also be useful for treating BPD, dialectical behavior therapy is still considered to be one of the best types of therapy with a statistically high success rate. Some refer to DBT as the gold standard for treatment when it comes to BPD.

What is BPD?

Also known as emotional dysregulation disorder, BPD is short for borderline personality disorder. If you suffer with this condition, you're likely to have strong emotional responses that may often appear way out of proportion to a given situation. This is often due to changing thoughts and feelings about yourself, others and your place in the world.

Symptoms of BPD

While not everyone has all of the symptoms associated with borderline personality disorder, there are many symptoms that are common among those with this mental health condition. If you have any of these symptoms, you should check with a professional for a proper diagnosis.

Fear of abandonment. You'll go to great lengths to avoid real or imagined rejection or separation. Some may find you too clingy one minute then too aloof the next.
Unstable relationships. You may be seen as fickle since you have a history of intense relationships that are erratic. One minute, you'll totally adore a friend, partner or family member. At any given time, that feeling can change and make you view the other person as almost an enemy.
Unsteady image of self. Your self-image fluctuates regularly, sometimes as often as day to day. You alter your perception of yourself, including your beliefs and values. This is often done to fit in with those who you feel close to at the time. You frequently view yourself as a bad person, or you might have moments where you feel like you don't even exist or like you're watching yourself from outside of your own body.
Disassociation. You may become paranoid, especially when you're highly stressed, resulting in a break from reality. This can last for just a few moments or may last for hours at a time.
Risk-taking. You're often impulsive and may engage in risky behaviors. These actions may be quite harmful to you in the long run, but you can't seem to control it. You might use illicit substances, engage in unprotected sex or even quit a good job for no apparent reason.
Self harm. You may find yourself engaging in cutting yourself or other types of self-mutilation or even threatening or attempting suicide. This often occurs in connection with your fear of abandonment.
Intense mood swings. You may notice that you swing back and forth in emotional extremes. Whether these last for just a few hours or several days, you may not understand why you're feeling the way that you are.
Chronic emptiness. You may feel empty inside, often questioning your place in the world or if you even have one. You may try to fill the emptiness by rushing into relationships even if you know the person isn't good for you or that it won't last.
Bouts of anger. While you may feel justified if your beliefs are brought into question, other times, your anger can seem out of control. You tend to use sarcasm or may get into physical fights with your outbursts.
Trust issues. You seem to always wonder about the intentions of others.

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The four main strategies involved with DBT

Dialectical behavior therapy focuses on four main areas of treatment to help you to live a better life.

Mindfulness

You'll learn meditation skills that allow you to focus on the present moment without putting a value judgment on anything that you're experiencing. This can help to keep you focused on the here and now rather than letting your mind get away from you and acting too impulsively on sudden emotional changes that may occur.

Emotional regulation

Because you may seek treatment with dialectical behavior therapy if you experience your emotions very deeply and intensely, it's important to learn how to manage your feelings. You'll learn how to identify what you're feeling and find new, healthier ways to express your emotions that aren't harmful or impulsive.

Distress tolerance

This stage of dialectical behavior therapy deals a lot with acceptance. You'll learn new coping skills so that you don't act out of intense emotional bursts when they arise. This can help to reduce your impulsivity and lack of control.

Interpersonal effectiveness

Rather than focusing your entire world on concerns over what others may think of you, you'll learn how to stand up for yourself and ask for what you need. You'll also identify times when it's appropriate to say yes or no and better ways to manage conflict that inevitably occurs in relationships.

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A general overview of DBT sessions

When you first sign up for DBT counseling sessions, You're likely to feel like everything's out of control. Working with your therapist, you'll learn acceptance so that you can move forward to creating lasting, positive change.

Once you've learned and practiced some new skills and coping strategies to reduce self-harm and self-sabotaging behaviors, your therapist may then encourage you to deal with any past emotional trauma to better deal with your present. After that, sessions may focus on developing your self-respect and learning to live with the ups and downs of everyday life. Finally, if needed, you may be encouraged to find deeper meaning within yourself and your life if you still feel incomplete or empty inside.

Although DBT individual sessions are imperative to overcoming the issues that result in borderline personality disorder, you may also be encouraged to attend some type of group sessions as well. DBT often works better when you have a chance to connect with others who have many of the same experiences as you so that you don't feel alone.

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Are there any factors to consider?

When you sign up for dialectical behavior therapy, you need to understand that it's not a cure-all, meaning that you are the one who has to do the work both in and out of sessions. This will be a daily effort on your part in using your newly acquired skills so that you can overcome the old negative patterns of thoughts and behaviors that you used to cope in the past. Without effort on your part, nothing can change. If you're interested in overcoming your past and living a brighter future by working hard every day, DBT can be a wonderful and effective experience for you.

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Find online DBT counseling for BPD with Findyourtherapy

Enjoy DBT counseling sessions from the comfort of your own home by clicking on the "Individual" link on Findyourtherapy's homepage. You'll be directed to a professional online counseling site. All you'll be required to do is to answer a simple questionnaire on the online counseling website, and you'll be given a list of professionals who have experience in using DBT to treat BPD. Choose your therapist and begin your journey to mental wellness.

Not only are you able to choose the best time for your sessions, but you can also connect with a therapist via multiple communication methods, such as through text, email, telephone and video conferencing. You're not limited to the specific counselors that are only available near your location, and pricing options often include unlimited connections for the paid time period for the same price or less than one in-person session.

One of the great benefits of using an online counseling service is that you'll have 24/7 access to a therapist, so if you find yourself in a difficult situation that you hadn't covered in your therapy sessions, you can get the advice and support that you need when you need it.

Conclusion

Dialectical behavior therapy was specifically created for those with borderline personality disorder. You'll learn how to feel good about yourself and the world around you through practicing mindfulness, regulating your emotions, tolerating stressful situations and relating to yourself and others. Value yourself, and the world will follow. Online DBT provides you with a convenient, cost-effective solution to live in a whole new world where you can feel good about yourself.