DBT - appointment imminent

HildaOgden · 28-04-2014, 08:31 AM

I had a phone call on Friday from DBT.

It was the receptionist. She'd been told to call by Dr C to let me know I'm now 1st on the waiting list (I've been waiting a year in May) and to expect an appointment letter to come through the post in the next few weeks.

I can't believe it's really happening, it's been a long process to get to this stage.

It's also happening at the same time as I'm starting work for the first time in 13 years.

It's going to be a stressful, tiring time.

Apparently I will have 6 pre DBT sessions where I will discuss with the DBT therapist whether DBT will be suitable for me. I'm hoping these session will be more of a formality than anything else. I just want to get started on the full programme.

I'm incredibly nervous about it and have mixed feelings.

I'm not sure I want to give up self harm anymore... not when it comes down to it. It would be good, however, if I could reduce the severity of my self harm.

Don't seem to hear much about DBT on the boards anymore. Is anyone else doing it?

How are you finding it?

Bellatrix · 28-04-2014, 06:58 PM

I do it and it's really helped me. I've pretty much stopped purging which I never thought I could do and my self harm has reduced to occasional and very minor (aside from dissociation).

It's hard. It's really ****ing hard. But I'm glad I did it and I hope it will be helpful for ou too.

If you have any questions about it, I can try to help

secret squirrel · 28-04-2014, 07:57 PM

It's great to hear that you are at the top of the list. I have been doing DBT since November and it is changing my life for the better. The biggest change is self harm. I haven't burnt myself for 5 months, which is the longest self-harm free stretch I've had in years. The urges have been very strong to the point of overwhelming at times, but I've used the skills I've learnt and managed not to act on those urges. I was at a point where I had to give up self harm as it was too dangerous and I was sick of having operations every couple of months. So I was very motivated which helped me to work hard at the therapy. I still struggle with urges now - even today I am having thoughts of self harm - but I have a toolkit of skills which I can use. Having those skills has helped me to be less reliant on MH services and that is also positive for me.

My therapist is very good and supportive but also quite tough on me - not in a bad way, it's just that she pushes me to challenge my behaviours and some of the things she suggests are things I am reluctant to do. Some of the concepts and language in DBT can seem a bit strange at first. I am often quite sceptical about them but I have decided to be open-minded and try to go with them and not question too much in this intial stage.

Congratulations on getting a job - that's a great achievement. And good luck with the pre-commitment sessions.

nightsky · 03-05-2014, 04:15 AM

I'm currently in DBT program. It is really hard. You are pushed to cope differently to how you have been coping. A open-mind is really important. Just be aware that it is mostly about learning skills rather than processing how you feel or gaining insight.

lozza · 03-05-2014, 05:00 AM

I've been doing DBT for a few yrs now. I find it helpful but like everyone else really hard. It is different from other therapies and you will be pushed.

good luck, let us know how you go with it:)

jemimalomax · 03-05-2014, 08:53 AM

I have just started doing a DBT group. I don't really know yet if it will be helpful. It wasn't what I expected. You don't share personal stuff in it or anything, it is based on learning skills. All the personal stuff you do in individual therapy. It's also difficult as you do it with a parent which makes me feel a little afraid of filling in the diary card honestly as I don't want my dad to know if I have self harmed. I hear really good things about DBT's success rate though, so I'm trying to stay positive.

lozza · 03-05-2014, 08:59 AM

you only do DBT with a parent if you are an adolescent..

HildaOgden · 05-05-2014, 04:01 PM

thanks for replying... I won't be doing it with a parent (I'm 40!!).

I know it'll be hard, I'm just hoping it won't be too much with going back to work at the same time.

In the past year (since I was assessed for being suitable for DBT and put on the waiting list) I have self harmed only 5 times but each time I needed to go to AnE for sutures.
Seems my self harm has become infrequent and different form. Prior to that for a few years I was burning quite severely.
I guess my self harm can be seen as chronic because I've been self harming for 15 years.

Part of me is concerned I won't pass pre dbt sessions because my self harm isn't as big an issue as in the past.

But I have to remember that I have been here before where things have gone well and then after a while they have fallen apart.

I hope dBT will help me get my life back on track.

It's great to hear so many of you have found dbt to be so positive, if hard work!

Snow White. · 06-05-2014, 05:18 AM

I wasn't self harming when I did DBT, it's still really helpful for learning important skills such as emotion regulation. Wishing you all the best, let us know how you get on :)