4 Myths About Philadelphia DBT Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy or DBT is the treatment of choice for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The benefits and effectiveness of DBT to treat BPD have become more widely known. So, with the rise in popularity of DBT, it’s not surprising that there are many misconceptions about DBT and how it works.

Because of the confusion that surrounds Dialectical Behavior Therapy, I’ve listed the most common myths below. My hope is that with more understanding, more people will look to DBT to help them decrease their emotional suffering and create a life worth living.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Philadelphia: Myths

1.     DBT Myth:

“I’ve been in therapy before and it didn’t work. DBT won’t help me either.”

The Truth about DBT:

Many clients find Dialectical Behavior Therapy as their last-ditch effort to find a solution to their misery. Many have been in therapy or counseling before and they were unable to reach their goals or find relief from their emotional suffering.

DBT is different than traditional therapy because it acknowledges that changes in thinking and insight are not enough to help people address the reasons for their problem behaviors, unstable relationships, and emotional distress.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is different. It helps people learn the skills they are lacking in order to solve those problems in their lives that are causing them so much pain and distress. DBT involves individual psychotherapy, skills training, and phone coaching in order to provide a generalization of those skills.

 2.     DBT Myth:

“I’ve tried to find a DBT outpatient program and they’re all full. I don’t want to be on a waiting list forever.”

The Truth about DBT:

It is true that with the increased awareness and popularity surrounding DBT, that a lot of outpatient DBT providers are unable to accept any new DBT clients. Skills Training, individual psychotherapy, and coaching calls are done in group outpatient DBT programs AND by individual DBT therapists.

As a Philadelphia DBT therapist, my private therapy practice provides DBT on an individual, outpatient basis.

3.    DBT Myth:

“I’ve heard DBT takes too long. I don’t want to be in DBT forever.”

The Truth about DBT:

The truth is that Dialectical Behavior Therapy is definitely a time commitment and may take longer than typical counseling. Further, the time in DBT is most likely going to be less than the time you spent (and lost) trying to navigate your crazy-making relationships and emotional pain.

Your time devoted to DBT will be purposeful and productive. DBT is based on recovering and helps you learn practical skills to help you recover and create a life worth living. You are not doomed to be DBT forever. 

4.     DBT Myth:

“It’s too expensive. I can’t afford to do DBT.”

The Truth about DBT:

Yes, DBT and any form of therapy cost money. It is likely that the cost of being in DBT is much less than the cost of fines, job loss, divorce, ER visits, day or inpatient programs, or the price of the stuff you bought on impulse. Not to mention, the emotional cost of broken relationships, lack of sleep, low self-esteem/self-worth, or continued emotional suffering and misery.

DBT and therapy, in general, can be so confusing. I hope this post helps to debunk some of the myths and clarifies the confusion surrounding DBT in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia DBT Therapy

If you’re searching to get relief from your emotional pain brought on by unstable relationships, intense feelings, and destructive behavior, I can help. As a DBT therapist in Philadelphia, I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy to treat Borderline Personality Disorder, anxiety disorders, and trauma.

I offer free consultations for DBT therapy. Schedule your own DBT therapy consultation here.