ABSTRACT
As within any relationship, tensions will arise between the therapist and client. Chapter 3 describes examples of such tensions. As illustrated in that chapter, DBT therapists attempt to resolve such conflicts by searching for syntheses, particularly those that validate both sides and move the treatment toward agreed-upon goals. When therapy tensions have not been successfully resolved they often result in therapy-interfering behaviours. For example, if a therapist simply confronted a client about abusing drugs but never offered alternative solutions that could achieve the client’s goal of regulating affect, the client may begin to lie to the therapist about taking drugs.
