Summary of Trauma-Focused DBT
United States Department of Homeland Security
Key Points
- The purpose of TF-DBT is to provide stabilization and self-regulation before proceeding with deeper trauma work.
- DBT consists of four components: group sessions, individual sessions, between-session support, and the consultation team.
- DBT has four treatment priorities to address multiple crises or competing needs. First, address suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Second, address treatment-interfering behaviors and/or ruptures to the therapeutic alliance. Third, address quality of life behaviors. And fourth, engage in skills training.
- DBT has four phases of treatment: crisis stabilization, emotion stabilization, general stabilization, and building a life worth living.
Materials Downloads
DBT for Trauma Online Training
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Transcript
Welcome to the eighth and final video in this module. So in this module, Let’s summarize a few of the key points we have learned throughout the entire module.
So, the first point, DBT teaches skills to help clients stabilize and self-regulate. However, DBT alone is not designed to resolve the intrusive or re-experiencing symptoms of trauma such as memories, nightmares, and flashbacks. The entire purpose of TF-DBT is to provide the necessary stabilization and self-regulation to then proceed with deeper trauma work. TF-DBT recommends being fully trained in at least one trauma model that’s primarily top-down and another model that is predominantly bottom-up.
Another point, DBT consists of four components: group sessions, individual sessions, between-session support, and the consultation team. The purpose of TF-DBT group sessions is to teach specific skills and provide psychoeducation regarding trauma and the effects of trauma. The purpose of TF-DBT individual sessions is to engage in trauma processing, reinforce skills as necessary, and integrate other treatment models as clinically indicated.