Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) was originally developed as a disorder-specific treatment program for patients with borderline disorder and is recommended in the new S3 guidelines for borderline disorders in Germany as the most scientifically proven treatment method.
DBT is based on clear principles and rules that provide good orientation, especially for complex disorders. Depending on the severity of the disorder, the focus of treatment is on teaching specific skills to deal with crises or on improving emotion regulation, self-concept and social interaction.
Methodologically, DBT covers a wide field of evidence-based interventions, each of which can be used on the basis of individual problem analysis.
In recent years, in addition to the standard DBT for borderline disorders, a variety of adaptations to other disorders and different settings have been developed.
There are now 24 randomized, controlled studies in outpatient and inpatient settings that clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of DBT: DBT improves overall psychopathology, reduces the frequency of self-harm and inpatient stays. Social integration, work and relationships also normalize. Today, DBT is considered the gold standard in the treatment of complex psychological disorders of emotion regulation. The AWP Freiburg is in close contact with the international developers of the DBT.
Accredited by and in close cooperation with Marsha Linehan and her team, we set ourselves the goal many years ago of spreading DBT in German-speaking countries, which we have largely succeeded in doing.
Our team consists of psychologists, doctors and nurses who have been trained by the DBT umbrella organization and are trainers or have received supervisor status.
We are also available for on-site training and further education as well as inpatient implementations and the development of outpatient networks.
