DBT therapy

[ksm]

Has anyone gone they this, or have some knowledge about it? It is what the psychologist has suggested for Difficult Child. She would refer us to someone who is trained in it. Difficult Child is 3 months til she turns 18. I assume that she would do this class then still see psychologist every other week as she has been doing. I am afraid that if we start doing this, once she turns 18 she will refuse to follow thru. But, I guess that is a chance we need to take.

Difficult Child was in a mood yesterday. Basically mad at everyone and life in general. She has two girls she considers friends, but gets upset if they aren't available for her. One has a boyfriend,the other has other friends. I think Difficult Child likes a friend who is as lonely as she is, so that they are always available.

Little sis had a guy friend over yesterday, and Difficult Child was getting agitated and pretty much sliding in to a tantrum in front of her guest. Then later, someone texted her to hang out for a couple hours, and she came back all happy and even apologetic.

Hoping to survive the holidays... Today will be a busy day!! Mostly because I have procrastinated as usual...

 

[Kalahou]

Hi ksm
I don't have personal knowledge or experience with this DBT therapy, but there is informative information on the web. You have probably read up on it already. I tried to research to learn more about it, and thought these links provided a good overview and FAQs, that I found helpful in understanding the process.

http://behavioraltech.org/resources/whatisdbt.cfm
http://behavioraltech.org/downloads/dbtFaq_Cons.pdf

My heart goes out to you and difficult child. This is surely a tough time / age for even an easy child to weather through. What more with the loneliness and insecurity it appears difficult child experiences. Be at peace knowing you are doing your best for her. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
~ K

 

[ksm]

Thank you, Kalahou. Those sources were better than the ones I googled and tried to read.

We are to see the psychologist early next week and she was going to find someone to refer us to. I am afraid that a winter storm headed this way may make it difficult to make it to our next appointment on Tuesday.

We made it thru Christmas Day pretty good. Little sis invited her hang out with her and a friend for a couple hours last night. Had extra family over for a meal at noon and that went well, too. One more week of no school... KSM

 

[compassion]

Here is a link about DBT. http://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.com/family-connections/family-guidelines/
There are several books that are excellent and have techniques which help family members. Stop Walking on Eggshells is one.
When I looked into this with my daughter, I realized it took too much self discipline/awareness which she did not possess. There are long individual sessions, homework and frequent group sessions.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) was more effective, done in field vs. talk in office. Also, she had a p-doctor with very brief sessions. She has focus issues so 45 min. talk therapy very difficult for her.

 

[compassion]

Here is the book by Valerie Porr :
Overcoming Borderline Personality Disorder: A Family Guide for Healing and Change