Mail box replies

Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a treatment that is related to cognitive behaviour therapy, comprising educational, interpersonal skill teaching, distress tolerance, problem solving and emotional regulation skills. It is usually provided for the treatment of borderline personality disorder, but may be appropriate for individuals with other conditions. The aim of DBT is to teach an individual a set of skills to use to address the various symptoms of borderline personality disorder, such as fears of abandonment, impulsivity and so on. In terms of the results of DBT, a recent review of the evidence, conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration, concluded that there are too few good studies to draw firm conclusions about the effect of DBT. That said, the studies suggested that DBT resulted in a reduction in deliberate self-harm, reduction in psychiatric symptoms, reduced suicidal thinking and reduced alcohol intake. This review was undertaken in 2006, and it is likely to be the most up to date review in this field.

DBT is often provided in group settings, but certainly may be provided on an individual basis (this will depend on local service providers). It is a little difficult to make generalisations about group versus individual therapy versus no therapy at all, as so much will depend on who is in each group (that is, the actual patients in the group) and how the therapists manage the group. You can imagine that some people may find group work supportive and helpful, whereas others would prefer individual treatment. Certainly it's worth thinking about and considering one's own position. I would recommend discussing your concerns with the therapists.

It's also worth thinking about whether there are other factors that might be influencing your thoughts and feelings about entering group therapy. For example, individuals with social anxiety often do not like group therapy, even though it may be really helpful for their anxiety. Others are concerned about issues such as confidentiality and privacy.

Another consideration is what alternative treatments are available if you do not undertake a DBT group. This will depend on your local area: there may be individuals who provide individual psychotherapy for people with borderline personality disorder, however, a DBT group may be the only treatment available locally.

For individuals with borderline personality disorder, I often recommend a website called: BPDCentral (

I hope this information is of assistance to you.