Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cutting
One of the most effective uses of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) involves self-harm issues such as cutting. The relatively new science of DBT is tailored made for treatment of those individuals who have self-harm issues because of the unique ways it engages the patients and changes their viewpoint about themselves and their personal interactions.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Pioneered in the early 1990's by Dr. Marsha Linehan, dialectical behavior therapy refers to the process of eliminating unwanted behavior by enhancing an individual's self-image, their interpersonal skills and decision-making skills through the use of cognitive role-playing and talk-based therapy.
During dialectical behavior therapy, the counselor will re-enact certain events from the life of the patient and establish how that person could change their behavior in order to bring about a different, more productive outcome. This allows the therapist to suggest change in the individual's behavior without seeming controlling or judgmental.
Dialectical behavior therapy has been proven effective in the treatment of several different conditions, including: self-harm and cutting, drug addiction, alcohol addiction and borderline personality disorder.
What is Self-Harm Behavior?
Individuals who injure themselves without the intent of committing suicide are referred to as self-harm patients. The behavior is generally typified by cutting, hair pulling or picking at the skin compulsively. Self-harm behavior has its roots in a variety of events and mental conditions, including:
- Past physical abuse
- A history of sexual abuse
- Trauma
- Stress
- Eating disorders (such as bulimia or anorexia)
- Low self-esteem.
Self-harm behavior is a dangerous practice that is most commonly seen in young people with the average age of onset around 12 years old and continuing on (if left untreated) throughout the teenage years and on into the early twenties.
Cutting and Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Therapists have found success treating individuals with cutting issues by using dialectical behavior therapy. DBT engages the individual in ways that standard therapy may ignore. This includes:
- Using role-playing to help the individual learn how to form stronger personal relationships – thus raising their self-esteem and diminishing the feelings that can bring about cutting.
- Teaching the individual how to cope effectively with stressful situations that can bring about cutting or other self-harm behaviors. Stress is one of the most common factors behind self-harm. By using "talk therapy" as a means of creating individualized strategies for coping with stress, the DBT helps reduce the need to cut one's self.
- Enhance the world-view of the individual so that they understand the impact their actions have on friends, family and the rest of society.
Michael's House is a residential drug rehabilitation facility that uses dialectical behavior therapy to treat individuals with self-harm issues, alcohol and drug addiction as well as a number of other conditions. As one of the leading DBT-friendly facilities in California, Michael's House is at the forefront of this exciting new treatment modality. Contact Michael's House today at for more information.
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