COMPLEX PTSD
COMPLEX PTSD
OFTEN USED FOR CLIENTS WHO HAVE A CO-MORBIDITY OF C-PTSD AND BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER (BPD)
According to studies reviewed by Scheiderer, et. al., (2017), comorbidity of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent in both clinical and community samples. Both C-PTSD and BPD are associated with difficulties in regulating emotions and may feature dissociative symptoms. Both of these mental health issues are successfully treated with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). DBT is primarily rooted in behavior theory and the biosocial theory of BPD.
DBT reduces the frequency and severity of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behaviors, reducing problems in living, maintaining individuals in treatment, and increasing compliance with treatment. Further studies cited in Scheiderer, et. al., (2017) also show that DBT is effective in improving tolerance of the initial distress/discomfort of trauma exposure therapy and for facilitating the appropriate level of engagement in exposures.
DBT addresses five core areas:
Emotional
Interpersonal
Self
Behavioral
Cognitive
DBT uses a phased approach to change:
Phase 1: Focuses on life-threatening and self-harming behaviors
Phase 2: Focuses in changing treatment-interfering behaviors
Phase 3: Focuses on changing behaviors that interfere with quality of life
DBT involves weekly individual sessions, weekly skills group sessions, and daily access to coaching.
These sessions incorporate:
Psychoeducation
A nonjudgmental and validating therapeutic relationship
“Third wave” cognitive-behavioral techniques