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01-03-2016 | Original Paper

DBT and Schema Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder: Mentalization as a Common Factor

Author: Stephanie Montgomery-Graham

Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

This paper adds to the existing body of literature by examining two different therapeutic approaches to the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), namely: (1) dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and (2) schema therapy. DBT is an evidence-based treatment for BPD while schema therapy is gaining ground as an effective therapy for BPD. Treatment approaches and etiological conceptualizations of each therapeutic modality are compared and contrasted. Theoretical underpinnings of each therapy are cognitive and behavioural but each therapy has developed its own techniques and rationale. Mentalization is discussed as an important mechanism of change in the successful treatment of BPD that is seen to underlie both DBT and schema therapy. To conclude DBT efficacy studies and schema therapy effectiveness studies are briefly reviewed.

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Title: DBT and Schema Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder: Mentalization as a Common Factor
Author: Stephanie Montgomery-Graham
Publication date: 01-03-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 0022-0116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-015-9309-0

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