DBT Treatment Philosophy

The DBT treatment model is centered a mutually respectful and collaborative relationship between the client and therapist, which is outlined by the standard Client-Therapist Agreements described below. You can also learn more about DBT here.

Therapist Agreements

Therapist Agreements with the client are discussed in the first few sessions and may be done orally or as a written contract.  All therapists on this team address the following in the Therapist Agreements.

  1. Therapist will make every reasonable effort to conduct the therapy as competently as possible according to the protocols established by Linehan, et al.
  2. Therapist will make it clear that he/she cannot save the patient or solve all the patient’s problems, and he/she will make the best effort to help the patient gain insight and learn behavioral tools to solve the patient’s problems.
  3. Therapist will administer therapy in accordance with therapist’s governing ethical codes.
  4. Therapist will agree to attend all therapy sessions and provide reasonable notice in advance when needing to reschedule.
  5. Therapist will establish and make clear personal contact guidelines outside of the therapy sessions. This includes guidelines for coaching calls and clarifying therapist’s  personal limits.
  6. Therapist agrees that all information discussed in the therapeutic relationship will be kept confidential. Therapist will inform client about any situations where confidentiality could be broken.
  7. Therapist agrees to obtain consultation when needed and will explain the role of the DBT Consultation Team to the patient.

Client Agreements

Client Agreements with the therapist are discussed in the first few sessions and may be done orally or as a written contract.  All therapists on this team address the following in the Client Agreements.

  1. After the initial intake and introductory sessions, the therapist and client will agree on whether they will work together and for how long. The therapist and client agree to a fixed amount of time (6 months, 12 months) and agree to discuss renewal that the end of the term.
  2. Therapist will explain the circumstances of unilateral termination: patients who miss four sessions in a row of individual therapy or skills class will be terminated.
  3. The client will agree to attend all therapy sessions and skills classes. When the client must miss a class, the therapist and client will agree on how and when to notify the therapist.
  4. Client will agree to work toward solving problems in ways that do not include self-harm or suicide.
  5. Client and therapist will agree to work on any problem-behaviors that interfere with the progress of treatment.
  6. Client agrees to participate in DBT skills training whether it be in a skills class or in another setting agreed upon with the therapist.