This isn't a post with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) tips or a post blaming someone who either tried DBT or who checks it out and immediately turns the other way. This is a post to say DBT isn't a cure-all. It's not for everyone.
Most online posts I see for people struggling with symptoms of BPD are filled with "have you tried DBT?" or "have you heard of DBT?"
As a DBT therapist, I am here to tell you: DBT isn't for everyone. If you find this post and wonder why it didn't work for you I am here to tell you it's not you. In fact, DBT says that when a skill doesn't work the way it's supposed to, it doesn't mean you failed, it means the skill failed you.
DBT is not a guaranteed fix. It's not for everyone with a specific diagnosis. So if it didn't work for you- that is okay! There are so many other types of treatment out there, even other evidence-based treatments for BPD.
These other evidence-based treatments include Schema Therapy and Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT). Medication can help with many symptoms, talk therapy with a professional can be very beneficial, and having a strong, healthy support system can be life-changing. If DBT didn't work for you, there are other options and DBT (if you decide) will always be there.
-Your honest DBT therapist, Alicia Paz