DBT For Dummies

by Gillian Galen

Keep calm, be skillful—and take control!

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is one of the most popular—and most effective—treatments for mental health conditions that result from out-of-control emotions. Combining elements of Cognitive Behavior Therapy with Eastern mindfulness practice, DBT was initially used as a powerful treatment to address the suffering associated with borderline personality disorder. It has since proven to have positive effects on many other mental health conditions and is frequently found in non-clinical settings, such as schools. Whether you struggle with depression, anger, phobias, disordered eating, or want to have a better understanding of emotions and how to focus and calm your mind, DBT practice serves the needs of those facing anything from regular life challenges to severe psychological distress.

Written in a no-jargon, friendly style by two of Harvard Medical School's finest, DBT For Dummies shows how DBT can teach new ways not just to reverse, but to actively take control of self-destructive behaviors and negative thought patterns, allowing you to transform a life of struggle into one full of promise and meaning. Used properly and persistently, the skills and strategies in this book will change your life: when you can better regulate emotions, interact effectively with people, deal with stressful situations, and use mindfulness on a daily basis, it's easier to appreciate what's good in yourself and the world, and then act accordingly. In reading this book, you will:

Understand DBT theory
Learn more adaptive ways to control your emotions
Improve the quality of your relationships
Deal better with uncertainty

Many of life's problems are not insurmountable even if they appear to be. Life can get better, if you are willing to live it differently. Get DBT For Dummies and discover the proven methods that will let you take back control—and build a brighter, more capable, and promising future!

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Audiobook, Unfinished, Social Work

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2021

About the author

Gillian Galen is an instructor in psychology at Harvard Medical School. She is the assistant director of training and senior psychologist at 3East at the Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital. 3East is a unique, residential DBT program for young women exhibiting self-endangering behaviors and borderline personality traits. She specializes in adolescent psychotherapy, including DBT. She has a particular interest in using mindfulness and yoga in the treatment of BPD and other psychiatric illnesses. Galen has been a registered yoga instructor since 2008.

Reviews

[Katie]

What an absolutely brilliant book.

I've heard so much about this book and type of therapy from various sources over the last year, and thought I'd check it out because it sounded like it could be a really useful tool, and I'm so glad I did.

This isn't the type of book, that's easy to review because it'll be personal to each person who reads it and because everyone has different experiences, but for me, this book was exactly what I need.

At it's core, this is a typically "For Dummies" book, doesn't have to be read chapter by chapter and is good to have as a reference, but honestly, I personally needed to read it that way. There's so much valuable information and techniques throughout the book, and references to other chapters, that I'm glad I read it the way I did.

In a nutshell, this book gives you an overview about dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), how it works, the techniques they use and generally the main types of conditions it treats.

I learned so much about myself while reading this, but it could definitely be useful for anyone because it focuses a lot on emotion regulation and tackles every day issues. It's a very different type of therapy based on what I know and really believe everyone could get value out of this.

I definitely plan to reread this (some chapters I've already reread) because there's just so much to absorb and do and I hope to integrate much if this in my life where applicable.

[Audrey Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book describes Dialectal Behavioral Training. The description is enough to understand what is expected from the patient and therapist. The training combines Cognitive Behavioral Training (CBT), mindfulness, loving mindfulness and coping skills. The therapist responsibility is as intense as a suicidal hotline, available 24 hours and seven days a week. DBT teaches patients how to be aware, calm, prepared and balanced. After training patient should be able to cope. This skill improves relationships, mood and mental health. It is well written and comprehensive.

[Anahita Berenji · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book by accident. I was listening to MSNBC when the writers were being interviewed. What I inferred from the conversation was that the book can emensely help individuals in better comunicating with other including friends, colleagues, spouses and so
Until I start to listening to the book. I can say confidently this book has had one the biggest impact if not the biggest on my life.
It's mainly about "emotionally Sensitive" people. Those how perceives feeling, senses or emotions way stronger than others and consequently reacts out of proportion to the event triggering the emotion. These reactions can in turn result in catastrophic consequences such as loosing a job or ruing a relationship...
As a emotionally sensitive person myself, I learned a lot from this book. I try to devise its method and solution in my everyday life and I even begin to phantom how my life would have been better if I had read this book when I was younger.

[Martin Pena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of useful information in here as one would expect. If you are at all curious about the practice, don’t hesitate!

[Mario Perales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful introduction for patients and therapists.
This book covers a lot about DBT and it’s theoretical underpinnings. It may be a little too much for laypeople, on extent and complexity but I think that’s necessary because the therapeutic model in itself is robust.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

I think this is a helpful book that breaks things down nicely. I have some issues with anxiety and emotional dysregulation, not sure if this helps me in this moment, but still a helpful book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me nearly a month to read because I was STUD-Y-INNNNNNG!! So much useful information with step by step guides in how to implement the techniques into your daily life. I’ve been curious about DBT for a little while and I felt like this book explained everything so well!

[Pranav Anand · Rating 4 out of 5]

6. It was a great overview of DBT and how it works with some great exercises. The book is just for a therapist rather than a practitioner so many of the sections were not as useful. Still enjoyed it.

[Daniel Cherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good information