A dialectical behavioral formulation: The case of Katrina Original Research Article

Katrina is a 25-year-old woman who presents with multiple problems, among them chronic suicidal behavior. Clients like Katrina, who impress diagnostically with a Borderline Personality Disorder, are particularly suited to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It is an appropriate approach because it was developed in the context of working with such individuals, and is one of the few treatments for this population for which there is outcome data to support its efficacy. A DBT approach helps the therapist identify the range of a clientʹs problems and organize problems in order of priority. Treatment interventions, which are premised on a biosocial theory of the etiology and maintenance of a clientʹs difficulties, are guided by a stage theory of treatment. The behavioral patterns that characterize borderline individuals and that often become obstacles to progress are an important focus of treatment. An overview of a DBT approach and the application of DBT formulation to the case of Katrina is presented.