A Day in the Life: DBT Skills in an Eating Disorder Partial Hospitalization Program
A Day in the Life: DBT Skills in an Eating Disorder Partial Hospitalization Program
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for eating disorders offers a structured and intensive level of care for individuals who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but don't require 24/7 inpatient supervision. When Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a core component of this program, the day becomes a dynamic blend of therapeutic activities focused on building essential skills for recovery. Let's take a glimpse into what a typical day might look like:
Morning (Skill Building & Mindfulness):
The day often begins with a Mindfulness group. This session, a cornerstone of the DBT program, focuses on cultivating present moment awareness without judgment. Participants might engage in guided meditations, mindful eating exercises (paying close attention to the taste, texture, and smell of a small snack), or discussions on observing their thoughts and feelings without getting carried away by them. The goal here is to increase self-awareness and the ability to notice triggers and emotional states as they arise, a crucial first step in interrupting disordered eating behaviors.
Following mindfulness, the focus might shift to a specific DBT Skills Training module. These modules rotate weekly and delve into one of the four core DBT skill sets:
Distress Tolerance: Participants might learn and practice skills to navigate difficult emotions and urges without resorting to eating disorder behaviors. This could involve activities like "TIPP" (Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, Paired Muscle Relaxation) or distraction techniques.
Emotion Regulation: This session could involve identifying and labeling emotions, understanding the function of emotions, and learning strategies to change unwanted emotional states (like Opposite Action or accumulating positive experiences). Participants might discuss how specific emotions trigger their eating disorder behaviors and explore healthier ways to respond.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: This module focuses on building healthy relationships and getting needs met effectively while maintaining self-respect. Role-playing scenarios of asking for support, setting boundaries around food comments, or navigating difficult family dynamics might be part of this group.
Midday (Therapeutic Meals & Processing):
A significant part of the PHP day revolves around therapeutic meals and snacks. These are carefully planned and supervised by dietitians and often supported by therapists. The focus isn't just on nutritional intake but also on practicing mindful eating, identifying and challenging food-related anxieties, and normalizing the eating experience in a supportive environment.
After the meal, a processing group might take place. This is an opportunity for participants to discuss their experiences during the meal, any emotions or urges that arose, and how they utilized their DBT skills (or where they struggled). This immediate feedback and peer support are invaluable for reinforcing learning and addressing real-time challenges.
Afternoon (Individual Therapy & Specialized Groups):
The afternoon often includes individual therapy sessions scheduled throughout the week. These one-on-one sessions with a primary therapist allow for a deeper exploration of individual issues, personalized application of DBT skills, and processing of past experiences that contribute to the eating disorder.
In addition to individual therapy, the PHP schedule may incorporate specialized groups that complement DBT skills, and for those seeking this specific therapeutic modality, dialectical behavior therapy in Seattle offers various qualified professionals and programs. These could include:
Body Image Group: Addressing negative body image and fostering self-acceptance.
Nutrition Education: Providing a deeper understanding of nutritional needs and challenging restrictive beliefs about food.
Art or Movement Therapy: Offering alternative ways to express emotions and process experiences.
Family Therapy (as needed): Involving family members in the treatment process to improve communication and support the individual's recovery.
Evening (Wrap-up & Skill Review):
As the PHP day draws to a close, there might be a wrap-up group to review the day's learnings, identify successes in using DBT skills, and plan for any challenging situations that might arise in the evening or before the next session. Participants might be encouraged to set specific goals for practicing their skills outside of the program.
Throughout the Day:
Diary Cards: Participants often utilize DBT diary cards to track their emotions, urges, and skill use throughout the day, providing valuable data for individual and group sessions.
Staff Support: The PHP environment is typically staffed with a multidisciplinary team, including therapists, dietitians, nurses, and program assistants, and often includes specialized DBT therapists who provide ongoing support and guidance in applying DBT skills.
The Integration of DBT:
The Integration of DBT treatment: The beauty of a DBT-informed PHP for eating disorders lies in the consistent integration of DBT principles and skills throughout the day. From mindful eating during meals to utilizing distress tolerance techniques when urges arise, participants are constantly learning, practicing, and reinforcing these crucial tools for recovery. The structured environment provides a safe and supportive space to experiment with new behaviors and build a life free from the grip of their eating disorder.
While each PHP may have its own specific schedule and therapeutic offerings, the core principles of DBT – mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness – are woven into the fabric of the program, empowering individuals to build "kindness within" and navigate their recovery journey with greater awareness and skillfulness; if you are seeking such a program or individual therapy utilizing these methods, consider looking for "dialectical behavioral therapy near me" to find qualified professionals in your local area.
Remember: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment. You can also reach out to THIRA Health in the Washington area for more information and resources. You can contact THIRA Health at +18445471077 for further inquiries.