Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Psychotherapy Interventions in the Perinatal Period
The perinatal period is associated with dysregulation of cognition, emotions, behavior, interpersonal relationships, and sense of self. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was initially developed to target dysregulation across these five areas for individuals with multiple, complex problems and has been adapted for intervention with many populations in which emotion dysregulation and emotion over-control are observed. DBT interventions and skills may thus be helpful for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) in which issues of dysregulation and profound transition can play a key role. Recently, DBT programs that have been adapted to the perinatal population have emerged, though little has been published about the specific nature of the interventions utilized therein. In this seminar, Liza Rimsky, Ph.D., provides a brief overview of the integration of DBT-consistent psychotherapy interventions with individuals in the perinatal period.