Questions about DBT!
My campus sucks and I need therapy!!
I finally decided to get a new therapist, especially now that I go to school and my tuition covers mental health services on campus, but....I was just refused help by campus counseling services. (Can I just say how disgusting it is that campus health won't counsel me about PTSD that occurred from an assault that happened on this campus, and was covered up by this administration??? Seems immoral.) I just wanted PTSD counseling from them, but whatever, I need DBT and I think it's the skill that will help me the most, especially because of my BPD. Since money is tight and it's hard to find DBT therapists, I'm deciding to try teaching it to myself. It feels like a huge step forward in my journey to recovery, and I hope that it's as positive as I think that it is going to be. I just have a few questions.
1.) Have you ever tried DBT?
2.) Have you tried DBT without a counselor
3.) How did DBT affect your life?
I'm super excited to take this step and to hear about yours as well.
@selkieluna hey, first of all sorry your campus won't give you help. That is terrible! I'm doing DBT and I see a therapist - but she isn't specialized in DBT, so it's sorta doing on my own. Basically got a workbook and a folder to keep everything organized, and try to keep it on track. The thing I'd say: doing DBT by yourself can be overwhelming at first, at least I did.. But going slow and steady is good. I just try to remember to at least do "something" on the workbook twice a week, even if small or even if it's just mindflness-related. I actually write on my planner the "DBT" days and try to pick the days I may be struggling most (like days where I have to be around my mother or family, or that I have therapy).
It's helping, I think. I still struggle but after I have a hard time, I just try the radical acceptance exercise which is the hardest for me but after I go through all questions, it's as if I feel relaxed. And many exercises are interesting, as I'm reading it I'm just agreeing with everything and trying to make a mental note of all situations it could help. Sometimes I get frustrated they don't work but can't rush somethings I guess. Small steps is good.
@selkieluna
That's such a disheartening experience to have with their counseling services!!! I'm so sorry that on top of the original event and trauma the school piled this on top.
I thought I'd pipe in here as a DBT trained therapist to help out with what I can. DBT is an amazing tool! If you're a reader-anything by Marsha Linehan is a good way to go as far as books and learning the principles of DBT. She's the creator of the method and she also has a lot of videos on youtube discussing it. Stick with her resources if you can because there is a lot out there online for *free* that isn't really DBT. Also check out Jon Kabat Zin's Mindfulness for Beginners book. He's worked with Dr. Linehan and she pulls from his mindfulness techniques and mindfulness is the foundation of all the other work in DBT. I hope you're able to find some great resources and that you'll maybe keep everyone updated about how self-DBTing is going!
Sending you the best vibes for success!