Abstract
Linehan traces DBT’s evolution — from suicidal borderline treatment to a skills-based protocol for emotion dysregulation, balancing acceptance and change.
Linehan, M. M., & Wilks, C. R. (2015). American Journal of Psychotherapy, 69(2), 97–110. DOI
Key findings
- Dialectical core — Acceptance and change held together — not one-sided push.
- Skills modules — Mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness.
- Evidence arc — Randomised trials reduced self-harm in target populations.
- Broader spread — DBT moves beyond one diagnosis — skills for dysregulation broadly.
Limits
DBT lineage narrative by Linehan — authoritative history, not an independent outcome trial of every module.