The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Primer

The primary purpose of the proposed book is to provide a clinically oriented, user-friendly guide to understanding and utilizing the principles and techniques of DBT for non-DBT-trained mental health practitioners.  Becoming proficient in standard DBT requires intensive training and extensive supervised experience.  However, there are many DBT principles and procedures that can be readily adapted for therapists conducting supportive, psychodynamic, and even other forms of cognitive behavioral treatments.   The seminal work written by Marsha Linehan, while suitable for those who wish to become expert DBT practitioners, is unlikely to be read and utilized by the majority of clinicians who simply want to obtain an overview of the treatment and integrate some DBT tactics into their practice.   Heretofore, the only alternatives have been brief summary articles or an edited volume that does not provide the “how to” or sufficient depth to be of practical use.  Therefore, we believe that there will be a great demand for an easy to read, simplified translation of the complexities of DBT. 

Why a book on DBT?

“I have a really bad borderline who keeps calling me and I can’t stand to take her calls any more.”

”I’m sick and tired of my patient’s repeated suicide attempts and calls from the ER in the middle of the night.  Next time she does it, I’m going to tell the ER that she has been terminated from my care.”          

“My patient is so unbelievably manipulative.  She gets great grades at that Ivy League college and does independent research for one of her professors that draw great praise. Yet she gets distraught if her boyfriend forgets to call her or if I’m a few minutes late for our appointment.  How manipulative and self-centered can one person be?”

These are direct quotes from therapists with whom we have consulted or supervised. We believe that DBT offers effective answers to these and other questions.    Becoming proficient in fully adherent DBT requires intensive training and years of experience.  This book makes DBT accessible to non-DBT-trained clinicians for the purpose of integrating DBT into a non-DBT psychotherapy.  Toward this end, we present a clear, comprehensive summary of DBT principles and techniques illustrated with rich clinical vignettes.