What is TCD, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy? Selena Gomez treatment

While Selena Gomez is seeking treatment for anxiety and depression, she would again resort to dialectical behavioral therapy.

The singer is currently undergoing a DBT, reported People, a type of psychological care she has already touted.

When Vogue described Gomez last year, the magazine described her as a "deep believer" in therapy.

"DBT has completely changed my life," Gomez said in the interview. "I would like more people to talk about therapy."

What is TCD?

Dialectical behavioral therapy is strongly based on cognitive behavioral therapy, or speech therapy, according to the National Alliance for Mental Illness.

It promotes both acceptance and change in a patient, which seems contradictory, hence the reference in his name to "dialectic," defined as the integration of opposites.

DBT was developed in the 1980s by Marsha Linehan, a professor of psychology at the University of Washington. She originally devised this approach to treating suicidal behavior, but has since expanded to the treatment of borderline personality disorder and other "serious and complex mental disorders," Linehan's biography said. She herself fought against mental illness and vowed to help and help others.

"I guess it's true that I developed a therapy that provides everything I've needed for so many years and I've never had," she said. New York Times.

One of the key concepts is "radical acceptance" – or give up what you want and accept what is.

"Deleting what you want is not the solution. You must radically accept the fact that you want something you do not have and it's not a disaster, "Linehan said in a video explaining her philosophy. "The reality is what it is."

This is essential because you can not change anything if you do not accept it, she noted. You must radically accept your past and the moment you are in, but you can certainly try to change the next moment, Linehan said. This way of thinking "will transform everyone … but it must be a regular practice," she added.

How does TCD work?

Patients who undergo DBT receive individual treatment and group treatment. The goal is that they "come out of hell" and build "a life that is worth living", which can mean different things to different people, Linehan said. .

She acknowledged that it was not enough for patients to be listened to and understood in therapy – they also needed to be instructed on how to change. The program teaches patients various life skills, including:

The groups meet weekly for about two and a half hours. The program lasts 24 weeks, but it is often repeated to create a one year program. Individual therapy sessions are also held once a week during this period. Telephone support is available so that patients can get help from their therapist between sessions.

Studies show that DBT can be "effective in bringing significant and lasting improvement to people with mental illness," noted the National Alliance for Mental Illness.

The approach has also shown promise in the treatment of drug addicts. You can find a certified program or therapist through the DBT-Linehan Certification Board.

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