Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

 DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY 
In  dialectical behavior therapy,  the focus is on getting people to accept who they 
are regardless of whether it matches their ideal. Even if their childhood has been 
dysfunctional or they have ruined relationships with others, that’s in the past. What 
matters is who they wish to become (Manning, 2005; Lynch et al., 2007; Wagner, 
Rizvi, & Hamed, 2007). 
Like treatment approaches based on the principles of classical and operant con-
ditioning, dialectical behavior therapy is an outgrowth of behavioral approaches, but 
it also includes components of other perspectives. Therapists using dialectical behav-
ior therapy seek to have patients realize that they basically have two choices: Either 
they remain unhappy, or they change. Once patients agree that they wish to change, 
it is up to them to modify their behavior. Patients are taught that even if they expe-
rience unhappiness, anger, or any other negative emotion, it doesn’t need to rule 
their behavior. It’s their behavior that counts—not their inner life. 
Dialectical behavior therapy teaches behavioral skills that help people behave 
more effectively and keep their emotions in check. Although it is a relatively new 
form of therapy, increasing evidence supports its effectiveness, particularly with cer-
tain personality disorders (Swales & Heard, 2007; Katz, Fotti, & Postl, 2009; Soler et 
al., 2009).
 EVALUATING BEHAVIOR THERAPY 
Behavior therapy works especially well for eliminating anxiety disorders, treating 
phobias and compulsions, establishing control over impulses, and learning complex 
social skills to replace maladaptive behavior. More than any of the other therapeutic 
techniques, it provides methods that nonprofessionals can use to change their own 
behavior. Moreover, it is effi cient because it focuses on solving carefully defi ned 
problems (Richard & Lauterbach, 2006; Barlow, 2007).