For the suicidal patient, skills training helps to identify deficits in coping and aims to teach more effective coping skills. The key components of DBT are summarized in Figure 2. Therefore, DBT seems to be effective in treating the more serious behavioral aspects of BPD, namely suicidal behavior and self-mutilation. A combination of individual psychotherapy and skills training. Focuses on behaviors as the vehicle to discussion of affects.
Individual psychotherapy utilizes a hierarchy of behaviors.
Suicidal behavior and other methods of self-harm are addressed first and explicitly in each session if necessary. If present, they are the primary focus of the session. Individual psychotherapy utilizes behavioral and solution analysis based on diary card and patient reports. Skills training is equivalent to a seminar, not group psychotherapy. Psychotherapists participate in a consultation team with other professionals to obtain guidance, support and maintain appropriate treatment focus.