Individuals who report having benefitted from dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): a qualitative exploration of processes and experiences at long-term follow-up

Abstract

Background: Qualitative research in the area of DBT is limited, particularly at follow-up. The current study explored the follow-up experiences of individuals who previously received a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and self-report having benefitted from DBT at the time of treatment. Methods: Individuals who completed 12 months of standard DBT and were a minimum of two years post-completion were recruited. Individual semi-structured interviews were completed with a total of twelve participants. Results: A thematic analysis generated three main themes which indicated that participants found DBT had a positive impact on their lives in the years after the programme and enabled further development; gave them control over their lives and the ability to manage setbacks and difficult situations; and contributed to healthier and more meaningful relationships with others. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that DBT contributed positively to the participants’ lives and helped advance their recovery in the years after the programme. Despite the positive impact of DBT, participants required further support in the years following the intervention. Clinical and research implications of these findings are discussed.