Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines how different training methods can help therapists enhance their skills when working with clients who have borderline personality disorder (BPD). Therapists will use two training approaches: one emphasizes reflective practice (thinking about past actions), and the other focuses on deliberate practice (setting goals and receiving feedback). Both methods are components of Alliance-Focused Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a type of psychotherapy. The trial aims to determine which method better assists therapists in recognizing and resolving relationship issues during therapy. This trial is open to therapists in Canada who currently provide psychotherapy and can attend weekly online training sessions. As an unphased trial, it offers therapists a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and improve client outcomes through innovative training methods.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on training therapists, so it's unlikely to require changes to your medication.
What prior data suggests that these training interventions are safe for therapists?
Research shows that dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is generally safe and well-tolerated for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Studies, including those conducted online, have found that patients accept DBT without major safety issues.
Evidence suggests that the Alliance-Focused DBT with Deliberate Practice training is practical and acceptable, with no major safety concerns reported. Similarly, the Alliance-Focused DBT with Reflective Practice training has not shown significant safety issues.
These DBT methods focus on improving therapist skills rather than directly treating patients, so they are considered low-risk. Overall, current research expects both training approaches to be safe.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments because they focus on enhancing the therapist-client relationship to improve outcomes for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Unlike current standard therapies like traditional Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), these new approaches—Alliance-Focused DBT with Deliberate Practice and Reflective Practice—specifically target the therapeutic alliance, which is crucial for effective treatment. By emphasizing the recognition and repair of alliance ruptures, these methods aim to foster a more supportive and effective therapeutic environment, potentially leading to better patient engagement and outcomes.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for borderline personality disorder?
Research has shown that dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) effectively treats borderline personality disorder (BPD). Studies have found that DBT helps individuals with BPD achieve greater emotional stability and reduce impulsivity. This trial will compare two approaches: Alliance-Focused DBT plus Deliberate Practice and Alliance-Focused DBT plus Reflective Practice. The Deliberate Practice approach involves setting personal goals and receiving expert feedback, which may enhance therapists' skills. In contrast, the Reflective Practice approach emphasizes learning from past experiences to better understand and meet client needs. Both methods aim to enhance therapy effectiveness for improved outcomes.13678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Tali Boritz, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
York University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for therapists working with clients who have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It aims to improve their skills in handling disruptions in the therapeutic relationship. Therapists must be willing to undergo training and assessment.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Training
Participants receive either a 4-week training as usual or a 4-week deliberate practice training to improve ability to recognize and respond to alliance ruptures
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in skills and characteristics post-training
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Alliance-Focused Dialectical Behavior Therapy plus Deliberate Practice
- Alliance-Focused Dialectical Behavior Therapy plus Reflective Practice
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
York University
Lead Sponsor