Borderline, suicidal, and self-harming clients can be challenging to work with, as their emotional dysregulation can lead to behaviors that unsettle even the most seasoned therapists. With this new two-video set on Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Marsha Linehan demonstrates key interventions of the renowned approach she created, in an engaging and intense reenactment of a course of therapy with a client who has recently attempted suicide. As she meticulously unearths crucial assessment information, you’ll watch the pair connect, tussle, and ultimately negotiate their way through a high-risk situation.
In Volume 1 of the set, Linehan holds two early-stage sessions with Stacy, who is in treatment because her family is sure she will die otherwise. Linehan remains empathic and even humorous in these lively sessions, while staying laser-focused on assessing Stacy’s suicidal risk, motives, and readiness for therapy. You’ll observe how she persistently negotiates the terms of participation in the face of a highly defensive and erratic client, all while maintaining a warm, compassionate stance. By affirming Stacy’s autonomy, Linehan gently challenges her to envision more adaptive coping skills.
You’ll be impressed by Linehan’s direct, plain-spoken style, which demystifies DBT as well as disarms her client. By session’s end, Stacy has agreed to remain in close contact with her therapist while they work on her goals together.
Those seeking a live demonstration of DBT, proven resources for working with suicidality, self-harming, or borderline clients, or an overview of the model from the originator herself should take a look at this video.
