Discover how online Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is changing the game in therapy access for those with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
If you have been diagnosed with Bipolar Personality Disorder (BPD), you may have heard how Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) can be an effective management of the condition.
But while DBT has proven to be successful in helping BPD patients navigate their emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms, there have always been challenges in accessing this specialised form of therapy.
With the rise of DBT online, you can now access this life-changing treatment from the comfort and convenience of your home.
In this blog post, we will delve into how online DBT is revolutionizing access to therapy for BPD patients.
What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) originally fell under the umbrella of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), however both CBT and DBT are quite different (refer to last month’s blog about the difference between DBT and CBT, December 2023. While CBT aims to help a person to change their behaviour through “thinking”, DBT aims at the emotion centre of the brain, where most people with BPD reside, and helps change behaviour by looking at and decreasing intense emotions.
While CBT addresses the connectedness between thoughts and actions, DBT extends the approach by giving greater attention to regulating emotions, fostering mindfulness, and cultivating acceptance of adversity and distress.
Through DBT, individuals acquire skills to navigate and regulate their emotions, embrace their mental health challenges, and safeguard against harmful behaviours.
What Are The Challenges of In-Person DBT?
Traditional in-person DBT has several challenges, some of which may limit its accessibility and effectiveness for certain individuals. These challenges include:
1. Limited Availability: In-person DBT sessions often have set schedules and limited availability, making it challenging for individuals with busy lifestyles or those residing in remote areas to access therapy.
2. Stigma and Privacy Concerns: Some individuals may hesitate to seek in-person therapy due to the stigma associated with mental health issues. This stigma can be a barrier to seeking help, even in a private setting.
Attending in-person sessions may also raise privacy concerns, especially in small communities where individuals may be worried about encountering someone they know.
3. Logistical Barriers: Travelling to a therapy location can be a significant obstacle for individuals without reliable transportation or those living in areas with limited public transportation options.
4. Insubstantial Immediate Support: In critical situations, individuals may need immediate support, and in-person therapy may not always provide the level of accessibility required during a crisis.
What Are The Benefits of Online Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for BPD?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Online Programs can offer several benefits for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Here are some specific advantages of online DBT for BPD:
1. Access to DBT Experts: Remote DBT sessions can connect individuals with BPD to therapists specializing in DBT, even if they are not geographically nearby. This ensures access to specialized care.
2. Regular and Consistent Sessions: Online Therapy for BPD allows for regular and consistent therapy sessions, which are crucial for the effectiveness of DBT in addressing the symptoms of BPD.
3. Scheduling Flexibility: Virtual DBT programs provide scheduling flexibility, allowing individuals to participate in therapy without the constraints of traditional office hours.
4. Enhanced Privacy and Comfort: Being able to engage in therapy from the comfort of one’s home may create a safer and more pleasant environment for individuals with BPD, fostering a sense of security.
5. Online Group Sessions: DBT on.line programs enable the delivery of group sessions, fostering a sense of community and support among individuals with BPD.
6. Immediate Crisis Support: In crises, individuals can have quicker access to support through online DBT, reducing the risk of impulsive behaviours associated with BPD.
Another benefit is that virtual DBT programs often provide additional resources, such as educational materials and worksheets, that can be accessed anytime.
These supplementary materials enhance learning and skill-building between sessions and empower clients by equipping them with tools to manage their symptoms daily.
Online Therapy for BPD Available at Dialectical Living
Do you think you could benefit from online therapy for BPD?
Speak with the DBT specialists at Dialectical Living. We can help.
Contact us today.
