What's the difference between comprehensive and informed DBT?
Comprehensive DBT includes all the elements of the treatment as defined by Dr. Linehan, it’s creator, and Behavioral Tech the non-profit organization that maintains and evolves the treatment protocol. You might think of comprehensive DBT as DBT “by the book” and it’s the protocol that has been proven to be effective through a significant body of research.
In our experience, and the experience of the broader DBT therapist community, not all clients need comprehensive DBT to achieve their goals. DBT informed treatment generally incorporates those aspects of the protocol that a specific client requires.
Comprehensive DBT therapy includes all four components of the treatment, including:
Individual therapy to process issues, teach skills, and support your overall goals for therapy.
Skills groups to teach and practice the DBT skills in a group setting.
Phone coaching to help clients effectively use skills in a real world setting.
Consultation team meetings that your therapist participates in to get feedback on your treatment.
Typically an individual in a comprehensive DBT program commits to a year of treatment, that would include weekly individual therapy and participation in a DBT skills group for seven months. Phone coaching is typically included for the duration of skills group participation.
DBT-informed treatment incorporates the principles of DBT but doesn’t require all 4 components of comprehensive DBT though at the DBT center therapists are required to participate in consultation meetings regardless of whether their clients are receiving informed or comprehensive DBT.
Typically. Individuals with a less acute diagnosis may benefit from the more flexible and personalized approach offered by informed treatment. For those with more severe symptoms, comprehensive DBT is often the most effective approach to treatment.