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The Business of Practice

Pros and Cons of DBT Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps individuals tolerate and regulate their emotions.
It comprises behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and mindfulness.
For more information, see our post “What is DBT and how does it work?”

Certified DBT mental health professionals offer acceptance and support to individuals in therapy.
Many clients who benefit from DBT are often considered “difficult to treat.” People often wonder,
what are the advantages and disadvantages of DBT? Learn whether DBT is suitable for you
by reviewing some of the advantages and disadvantages listed below!

Pros and Cons of DBT Therapy
In This Post

Benefits of DBT

- DBT is evidence-based. It goes beyond mental health illness and improves individuals’ quality of life.

It reduces anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress symptoms and decreases suicidal and self-harming thoughts and behaviors.

- Increases consumers’ self-worth and self-respect.

- Consumers can access their DBT clinician in the moment when they are struggling.

- The group component of DBT allows consumers to learn and practice skills in a safe and supportive environment. 

- Researchers have found that the effectiveness of DBT is far-reaching and generalize to clients of various ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, and race/ethnicities.

 

- DBT has been adapted for various populations, mental health problems, and settings; including, psychosis, mania, substance use, eating disorders, adolescents, and forensic settings, to name a few!

- DBT incorporates Zen Buddhist mindfulness practices, which may be appealing to consumers who want to work toward spiritual fulfillment.  


- DBT teaches consumers that thinking is dialectical, not “right” or “wrong,” evaluating and integrating contradictory ideas. 

Criticisms of Dialectical Behavior Therapy

- DBT requires a significant time commitment (from the consumer and the clinician). 

- There are many skills in DBT, which may be overwhelming. As a result, consumers who may benefit from it may find it overly complex and unwilling to try.

- DBT involves homework that may not be well suited for everyone.

- DBT is structured and has strict boundaries that must be set and followed.

- There is no formal trauma processing in DBT, which may be a necessary component of treatment for some clients to recover from a traumatic experience(s) entirely. 

- Certain facets of DBT are derived from Eastern religious philosophies; therefore, some clients whose religious values are Western (e.g., Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) may object to Zen Buddhist teachings. 

- DBT clinicians must be highly trained mental health professionals as there is the possibility for increased risky behavior throughout treatment.

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For more information, see our post What is DBT and How Does It Work? or visit the next blog in our DBT series Radical Acceptance with DBT.

Amanda Beltrani

Amanda Beltrani

Amanda Beltrani, Ph.D., is a licensed forensic and clinical psychologist. She obtained a master’s degree in forensic psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and earned a doctoral degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in forensic psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She completed an APA-accredited internship on the forensic psychology track at New York University-Bellevue Hospital. Dr. Beltrani has published over 15 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters on competency to stand trial, clinical assessment and decision-making, serious mental illness, and barriers to implementing evidence-based practices. Currently, she is a staff psychologist at Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center in New York City, where she conducts forensic psychological evaluations for the courts and provides treatment for patients with complex psychological and legal issues. In addition, Dr. Beltrani works part-time for CONCEPT Continuing & Professional Studies, providing new and aspiring mental health professionals with insights into various aspects of practice to elevate their careers and professional fulfillment. Content authored by Dr. Beltrani reflects her perspectives and is intended for educational purposes. While she draws on her professional experience, she may not be an expert in every topic covered.

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