Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

What is the therapeutic approach developed by Marsha Linehan for treating various disorders?

1. Survivor Enhanced Therapy (SET)

2. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

4. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

The correct answer is: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

The therapeutic approach developed by Marsha Linehan for treating various disorders is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This approach is particularly effective for individuals with borderline personality disorder, as well as those experiencing emotional dysregulation and self-destructive behaviors. DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness principles, emphasizing the importance of validation and acceptance in the therapeutic process. Linehan's development of DBT was rooted in the acknowledgment that traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy methods were not fully effective for individuals with intense emotional challenges. DBT focuses on teaching patients skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. This comprehensive approach helps individuals understand and manage their emotions while also fostering self-acceptance and the ability to change behaviors that are harmful. By integrating mindfulness and acceptance with behavioral interventions, DBT allows clients to learn how to navigate their emotional experiences more successfully and develop healthier relationships with themselves and others. This makes it a unique and valuable therapeutic modality, particularly in treating complex emotional disorders.