Q&A
Treating Trauma in DBT

When bigger and more immediate problems exist, trauma is sometimes sidelined in therapy. DBT expert Melanie Harned explains the importance of treating comorbid PTSD.
Q
It is well known that in clinical practice, therapists use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training prior to or throughout trauma-focused treatment such as Prolonged Exposure to help stabilize clients and improve distress tolerance. What is your opinion on this? Can clients without a significant comorbid diagnosis benefit from DBT skills prior to or as part of trauma-focused treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
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Q
What is the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure protocol for PTSD?
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Q
Can you share your personal story about discovering Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and integrating DBT with Prolonged Exposure for PTSD?
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Q
Where do you fit trauma work into the treatment hierarchy from a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) perspective? How do you conceptualize trauma from a DBT lens?
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Q
What are the differences between Prolonged Exposure for PTSD and the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure protocol? What are some important considerations when treating PTSD with co-occurring Borderline Personality Disorder vs PTSD alone?
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Q
How do we know when a client is sufficiently stabilized and able to carry out trauma treatment?
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