Dialectical Behavior Therapy Versus Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Q. Can you tell me the difference between dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)? I just recently read that DBT wasn't effective, yet DBT was, for someone. I thought they were the same thing.

A. In short, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an approach that endorses modifying a person's thoughts and/or behaviors in order to change his or her feelings. It's now widely used within the therapeutic community. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specific kind of CBT that is used with BPD. Hope that makes sense!

I would be interested in knowing where you read that DBT is ineffective, as I believe it remains - combined with individual psychotherapy - as the treatment of choice for BPD.

BPD Today Bookstore

Click Here

BPD Today Membership Section

more info

Visit Mental Health Matters for information and articles on a variety of mental health topics; Get Mental Help to find a therapist or list your practice; and Psych Forums for message boards on a variety of mental health topics.