DBT Philadelphia: 3 Questions to Ask a DBT Therapist

DBT Philadelphia: Questions to Ask a DBT Therapist

You know you need to find a DBT therapist in Philadelphia who specializes in BPD. You were recently diagnosed and if you’re honest, you aren’t even sure what that means. Now, you’re tasked with finding a therapist who provides Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Philadelphia.

You are so confused. You don’t know how to wrap your head around your new BPD diagnosis, much less, find a DBT therapist because you’ve heard that Dialectical Behavior Therapy is the “treatment of choice” for borderline personality disorder.

I’ve already covered how to find a DBT therapist in Philadelphia. Today’s post will give you a script to use to know what to ask once you’ve found a Philadelphia DBT therapist.

Philadelphia DBT Therapy: Questions to Ask a DBT Therapist

Here are some important questions to ask a Philadelphia DBT therapist.

 1.     Ask about the therapist’s experience using Dialectical Behavior Therapy. 

Why is this important?

If you’ve been told you need to have DBT for Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment, you want a DBT Therapist who specializes in DBT. There are actual levels of DBT training. While many therapists in Philadelphia say they use Dialectical Behavior Therapy, not all therapists have the same level of expertise. It’s important to note that for someone to label or identify themselves as a DBT therapist, they need to have completed a certain level of training and provide all four modes of standard outpatient DBT.

2.     Ask if they’re DBT therapists.

 Why is this important?

There are 4 modes that make up standard outpatient DBT, which are individual psychotherapy, DBT Skills Training, in-the-moment phone coaching, and DBT Consultation Teams for DBT therapists.

Some therapists are what I’d call “DBT friendly”, or “DBT-informed”, which means, they embrace Dialectical Behavior Therapy concepts and ideas; however, are not DBT therapists. In other words, some therapists provide DBT skills training, or use DBT principles in their therapy sessions, but don’t participate in the other modes of DBT.

Again, in order to be considered a DBT therapist, the therapist must have completed specific, intensive DBT training, and provide all 4 modes of DBT.

3.     Ask how the therapist in Philadelphia uses DBT.

Why is this important?

The way a DBT therapist incorporates and applies Dialectical Behavior Therapy is important to know. You’ll want to know how the DBT therapist structures their schedule and provides BPD treatment. For example, some DBT therapists offer group DBT Skills Training and some DBT therapists do this individually. Other things to consider include how the therapist schedules each mode of DBT and if their schedule makes sense for you.

I hope that my post has helped alleviate some of your stress by giving you questions you need to ask a DBT therapist. 

DBT Therapy in Philadelphia: Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment 

As a Philadelphia DBT therapist, I specialize in the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. My outpatient DBT therapy & counseling private practice provides all modes of DBT therapy.

If you’re struggling with intolerable, intense emotional pain, and want help learning how to find a life worth living, I can help. As a DBT therapist, I specialize in Borderline Personality Disorder treatment. You CAN find relief from your overwhelming emotions, anxiety, and relationships.

I provide free consultations for DBT therapy in Philadelphia. Click here or call me at 717-685-5074 to schedule a DBT therapy consultation.