We are all different, and made up of many complex parts, just like a jigsaw puzzle – what fits for us might not fit for someone else, and vice versa.

As we discussed in the previous lesson, DBT is suitable for people with BPD who have difficulty managing their intense emotions, and who may have self-harmed or had suicidal thoughts or attempts, who may have bouts of extreme anger, frustration, upset, and who have impulsive or reckless behaviours.

While DBT can help with the above in relation to DBT, and can be helpful in some co-morbid conditions when treated alongside BPD, it’s not widely recognised as being useful for other conditions when treated separately. For example, while being treated for emotional dysregulation as part of BPD, the work you do in therapy may be beneficial in treating your anxiety or depression, but wouldn’t be useful if it was just to treat the anxiety/depression.

One potential problem with DBT is simply that you might not be ready. Because DBT isn’t readily available across the UK, there may be long waiting times or limited sessions, and if you aren’t yet ready for DBT, you may feel a little dejected and decided to drop out.

If you are not ready for DBT, that’s completely valid. On the recovery journey, YOU are the most important person in your ‘recovery team’. Never feel bad for prioritising your needs, for demanding better care or for asking questions about your treatment.

There are some specific stages we go through when trying to change our behaviour. This is called the Stages of Change Theory (or sometimes the Transtheoretical Model). These stages are:

• pre-contemplation
• contemplation
• preparation
• action
• maintenance
• termination

For example, you may have been considering making some changes, and recognise the benefits of making change, this is the pre-contemplation or comtemplation stage. You prepare to make change by taking this course, or reading a book about DBT, and then you take action by working through DBT. You maintain what you have learned through the treatment, and then you end (or terminate) your treatment and carry what you have learned into your recovery journey.

Another potential problem is the thought that DBT is the best, and only, treatment for BPD. It is important to note that there are several alternatives to DBT, and it’s best to discuss the options with your mental health professional to determine the best therapy for you.