DBT Informed Art Therapy
DBT informed art therapy is an approach that integrates the skills development and structure of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) with the creativity, non-verbal communication and empathy of art therapy. This type of treatment is increasingly being utilized to treat various client groups including those suffering from suicidal behaviors, eating disorders and personality disorder.
Art therapy is a creative, expressive and therapeutic practice that assists identity formation and meaning-making within interpersonal contexts. It also offers clients with space to express feelings without judgment or criticism from those around them; this can be especially helpful for clients with histories of trauma as it encourages them to process their experiences through non-verbal expression without judgement or criticism.
It can be challenging to create an atmosphere of safety and security in traditional talk therapy settings where clients may feel vulnerable and unease surrounding their emotions. By working with a therapist experienced in both DBT and art therapy, clients can develop an emotional and creative toolbox that they can use to regulate their feelings and effectively deal with stressors in everyday life.
DBT is well supported by art therapy, as it assists clients in recognizing emotions, using grounding techniques and employing self-regulation strategies to reduce maladaptive behaviors like substance misuse or self-harm. Furthermore, art therapy offers a safe space for clients to build trust and an intimate therapeutic alliance with their therapist.
Peer facilitation is critical to any art psychotherapy program’s success, and this one has been led by someone with lived experience of BPD who also has Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, counselling and Narrative Therapy training. Participants rated the program highly and found it very engaging – 82% retention rate plus strong qualitative feedback showing improvements in personal integration, capacity to tolerate distress, connections with others, self-awareness and hope for living well.
This study employed an online format to deliver the program, enabling remote and regional participation from areas who might otherwise not have had access to such therapy. The peer facilitator was identified using an Intentional Peer Support (IPS) model and framework which is trauma- and diversity informed. IPS emphasizes nonjudgmental practice, active engagement in co-creation, meaning-making and mutuality while acknowledging there is no absolute truth – as well as a hopeful outlook.
Facilitators must adhere to the IPS model and DBT principles in order to guarantee participants have a meaningful, personalized experience within the program. This helps guarantee participants reach their full potential during this intensive learning experience.
Research indicates that peer facilitator’s lived experience was an influential factor in participant engagement and retention. This finding adds to the body of knowledge regarding this approach and should be taken into account for future replication attempts.