Dr. Sara Schmidt, a licensed clinical psychologist in Washington, discusses preparing dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) clients for the prolonged exposure protocol used in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. She emphasizes the importance of stabilizing clients who present with high risks such as suicidal tendencies, self-harm, and multiple comorbid diagnoses before beginning the exposure-based protocol.
Preparing Clients for the DBT Exposure Protocol in PTSD Treatment
Key Points
- Stabilization of high-risk behaviors is essential before beginning PTSD treatment with DBT and prolonged exposure protocols, especially for clients with complex diagnoses.
- DBT PE readiness principles are adaptable to various exposure therapies, highlighting the need for general trauma treatment preparation.
- The case study presents a 34-year-old woman with minimal prior therapy experience, typical of DBT clients, demonstrating the therapy’s broad applicability.
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