DBT Treatment Structure and Theory Flashcards

What is the role of phone coaching in DBT?

Answer: To help clients generalize skills to real-life situations in crisis moments

Phone coaching in DBT is used to help clients apply DBT skills in real-time crisis situations, promoting generalization of skills to daily life.

What is 'irreverence' as a communication strategy in DBT?

Answer: Using unconventional, direct, or even humorous responses to challenge dysfunctional thinking

Irreverence in DBT is a strategic communication style where the therapist uses bluntness, humor, or unexpected responses to shake up rigid thinking and move therapy forward.

What does the term 'dialectical failure' mean in DBT?

Answer: When the therapist and client become stuck at opposite poles without achieving synthesis

Dialectical failure occurs when therapist and client become polarized at opposing positions and cannot reach synthesis, often resulting in treatment impasses.

Which of the following is an example of an 'irreverent' DBT therapist response?

Answer: 'So you're saying that the only solution is for everything in your life to be perfect?'

Irreverent responses in DBT may highlight the absurdity of extreme positions in a direct or even slightly provocative way to prompt reconsideration.

In DBT, what is a 'commitment strategy'?

Answer: Techniques used to elicit and strengthen the client's commitment to treatment goals and behavior change

Commitment strategies in DBT are specific techniques therapists use to help clients commit to treatment goals and to change behaviors before working on those goals.

What is the 'devil's advocate' technique in DBT commitment strategies?

Answer: The therapist argues against treatment to strengthen the client's commitment

In the devil's advocate technique, the therapist argues against the client committing to treatment in order to elicit the client's counter-arguments and strengthen their commitment.