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How long does it typically take for a child in DBT to start seeing positive results?

Welcome, Captain
You came to the right place. While my adult son refused therapy, there are a few here that can pipe in . Meanwhile is your child a minor? Please feel free to share as you are comfortable.  Take a look around on How to use this site,.

Hi Captain:
I'd say the benefits from learning DBT skills is individual.  An individual gets out of it, what they put into it.  If someone immediately embraces the skills they are taught and then applies the skills in daily life, that person will gain benefits in the near term.

If someone does not apply their self and doesn't do their homework, then it's hard to say when & if there will be much benefit. 

If you don't already know what DBT involves, best to get rid of the mystery.  If you go to the Amazon book section, you can search for books by Marsha Linehan.  It could be advantageous to buy one of the books, with various worksheets.  It can help you learn about DBT.

Another way to explore about DBT is to visit the following website.  The link below leads to an exercise on "Improving the Moment":

www.dbtselfhelp.com/html/improve_the_moment_worksheet.html

Welcome Captain  :hi: I love your name, Captain Hook by any chance  *)

I've read your other thread, I'm so sorry your young daughter was involuntarily held as you'll read you are not alone. I can also understand the relief you feel knowing what you are dealing with, a starting point of learning how to support her, is key.


Every situation is different, it takes as long as it takes. I recall asking myself the same question, when will I see signs. It was very subtle changes over a long period. I guess it depends on their starting point and if they are motivated and determined as No-One shares. With my DD being an adult I was not involved directly. I came to realise her tucked away in her bedroom, she was working her boots off! My DD says you can learn DBT skills, the challenge is to learn how to actively apply the skills and keep them fresh.

My DD26 was diagnosed July 2015, she was very unwell 2015-16 spent in bed, self harm trips to ER, two separate months in a woman's crisis home (stop short of hospital). DD gave up work Dec 2016 (worked from home, she lives with me) to concentrate on getting well.

Her history: there was a NHS (UK) 12 month waiting list.  :(

Dec-June 2016
6 months skills group (the NHS put in a 'bridge' for those on the 12month DBT waiting list, so DD did 6 months of weekly skills group)

June 2016 - Sept 2017
14 months weekly skills group and DBT therapy, discharged by NHS and we in hindsight believe this is because half of the DBT team left over a very short period, they were prioritising the most vulnerable.

Oct 2018-Feb 2019
5 months refresh DBT skills group with a charity

July 2019 - DD's engaged with a new therapist, private BPD specialist. At this point the therapist is assessing her DBT skills, wellbeing, getting to know her. And likely commencing compassion, trauma, schema therapy.

Since Dec2016 DD had one relapse October 2018 for self harm and I believe that was due to  not coping with 'stress', she'd been out of DBT or any kind of therapy for 12 months... So my strategy is for her continue to build her resilience through ongoing therapies that I'm now supporting financially. She's doing great, though I understand it's a challenge, she's waiting for an assessment as she believes she has bipolar that's never been diagnosed which shows me how in touch with herself she now is.

I hope sharing with you gives you some confidence. There is so much wisdom here at  bpdfamily Captain, it's truly priceless.

It's small, gentle baby steps. BPD is complex, more than often co-morbid.

How is DBT going?

I'm glad you found us and joined us, it is the best life decision I've ever made!

Stay with  :hug:

WDx