ABSTRACT
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), 29 , 30 is a cognitive–behavioral treatment approach originally developed to treat chronically suicidal individuals. DBT has subsequently evolved into treatment for suicidal individuals who meet criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and has been adapted for the treatment of patients with BPD with presenting problems other than suicidal behaviors (e.g., substance abuse). DBT combines basic behavioral procedures of skills training; exposure-based procedures; cognitive modification; contingency management; and problem solving with validation, mindfulness practices, reciprocity, and a focus on the patient-therapist relationship.
