What a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Session Looks Like

MedCircle・2 minutes read

Kyle, a patient struggling with severe depression, seeks DBT therapy from Dr. Judy Hope to manage his symptoms and feelings of hopelessness and self-neglect. Dr. Hope plans to focus on distress tolerance, acceptance of difficult experiences, and engaging wise mind to combat depressive episodes and improve emotional well-being.

Insights

  • Kyle struggles with deep-seated feelings of hopelessness and helplessness stemming from his long history of depressive episodes, requiring targeted therapy to address these pervasive issues.
  • Dr. Judy Hope employs a holistic approach in Kyle's DBT session, emphasizing the significance of distress tolerance, acceptance of difficult experiences, and the integration of emotional and logical aspects through techniques like radical acceptance to navigate distressful moments effectively.

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Recent questions

  • How can distress tolerance help manage depressive symptoms?

    Distress tolerance involves self-soothing with the five senses in under a minute to improve the moment. This technique can be beneficial in managing depressive symptoms by providing a quick and effective way to cope with distressing emotions. By engaging the senses, individuals can ground themselves in the present moment and reduce the intensity of negative feelings. This practice can help individuals like Kyle develop healthier coping mechanisms and prevent severe depressive episodes.

  • What is the significance of acceptance in managing depression?

    Acceptance plays a crucial role in managing depression by allowing individuals to acknowledge and validate their difficult experiences. Dr. Hope emphasizes the importance of accepting the current situation without rushing to prevent depressive episodes. By accepting the reality of their emotions and experiences, individuals like Kyle can begin to work through them in a healthy and constructive manner. Acceptance does not mean liking or wanting the experience but recognizing the resilience and strength within oneself to navigate challenging moments.

  • How can engaging wise mind help combat feelings of hopelessness?

    Engaging wise mind involves combining emotional and logical aspects to transcend distressful moments. By tapping into both emotional and rational thinking, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and make more balanced decisions. This approach can help combat feelings of hopelessness by encouraging individuals like Kyle to approach challenges with a clear and thoughtful mindset. By engaging wise mind, individuals can navigate difficult emotions and situations more effectively, ultimately reducing feelings of hopelessness.

  • What are some techniques to improve positive emotions during challenging moments?

    Techniques like radical acceptance and engaging in pleasant activities can help improve positive emotions during challenging moments. Radical acceptance involves fully embracing the reality of a situation without judgment or resistance, allowing individuals to move forward with a sense of peace. Engaging in pleasant activities can also boost positive emotions by providing moments of joy and relaxation. By incorporating these techniques into daily life, individuals like Kyle can cultivate a more positive outlook and better manage depressive symptoms.

  • How can breaking down experiences into manageable pieces reduce feelings of hopelessness?

    Breaking down experiences into manageable pieces can help reduce feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. By deconstructing overwhelming situations into smaller, more manageable components, individuals like Kyle can approach challenges with a sense of control and agency. This approach allows individuals to focus on one step at a time, gradually building confidence and resilience. By breaking down experiences, individuals can navigate difficulties more effectively and prevent feelings of hopelessness from becoming overwhelming.

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Summary

00:00

Managing Depression: DBT Session with Kyle

  • Dr. Judy Hope performs a DBT session with Kyle, who seeks help managing depressive symptoms.
  • Kyle was diagnosed with depression at nine years old and has had three major depressive episodes.
  • He takes antidepressants daily but stopped therapy due to a move, seeking DBT to manage symptoms.
  • Kyle struggles with feelings of hopelessness, not feeling enough, and making a significant impact.
  • He experiences severe depressive episodes where he can't function, leading to self-neglect.
  • Kyle believes his brain is hardwired for hopelessness and helplessness, needing to work against it.
  • Dr. Hope plans to focus on managing hopelessness, developing prevention plans, and distress tolerance.
  • Distress tolerance involves self-soothing with the five senses in under a minute to improve the moment.
  • Kyle has tried various methods to combat hopelessness, finding medication, being busy, and sleep helpful.
  • Dr. Hope emphasizes accepting the current experience and not rushing to prevent depressive episodes.

15:03

Surviving and Thriving Through Acceptance

  • Acceptance of difficult experiences is crucial, acknowledging survival and emergence on the other side.
  • Understanding that acceptance doesn't mean liking or wanting the experience, but recognizing the intact part of oneself after the ordeal.
  • Separating oneself from the painful experience, realizing it isn't the true self but a temporary occurrence.
  • Analogy of watching a play with actors, narrators, and audience members representing different levels of self-awareness.
  • Encouragement to engage wise mind, combining emotional and logical aspects to transcend distressful moments.
  • Techniques like radical acceptance and engaging in pleasant activities to improve positive emotions in challenging moments.
  • Emphasizing the importance of breaking down experiences into manageable pieces to reduce feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
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