DBT Couples Therapy
SAGE : DBT Couples Therapy
Sage is a new couples intervention for people who struggle with difficulties regulating emotions, suicidal or self-injurious behaviors, potentially a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and their significant others. This is a time-limited cognitive behavioral treatment, typically lasting 15 to 20 sessions, that targets emotion dysregulation in the context of the relationship, relationship functioning, and the mental health of the significant other. It was developed from cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy (CBCT) for PTSD and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
What to Expect from Sage
Sage is a phased treatment. Initially, there are two 90-minute assessment sessions to help determine whether Sage is a good fit, identify what it is we want to work on, and assess safety issues. These sessions may happen in the same week, depending on risk. Sage itself is approximately 12 sessions, comprising three phases. The treatment focuses on orientation and safety in the first phase. This will orient the couple to the treatment, address personal safety if necessary, and then look at establishing relationship safety. The second phase will address communication and feelings within the relationship, providing the couple with skills to see patterns within the couple, communicate more effectively, and manage and communicate emotions. The third phase is focused on testing out beliefs and planning for the future of the relationships, moving forward with this new skill set. It’s a model that can provide strategies and hope for couples that are suffering.
Virtual DBT Couples Therapy
One of the greatest benefits of our day and age is that we can visit with our clients virtually. DBT therapy is wonderful for couples and studies show that it can be just as effective in person as it is if done over the internet.
At Decision Tree, we are happy to be able to provide virtual meetings to our clients in Utah, and outside of Utah as well. If you and your spouse are interested in the benefits of DBT Couples Therapy we invite you to give us a call and schedule your appointment today.
For further information, you can look at the research of the TULiP group in the links below.