Jessica L. Long. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Consultation for Line Staff Working with Adolescents in Residential Care. Diss. University of Hartford, 2011. Ann Arbor: UMI, 2011. AAT 3479520. Print.
In spite of its very technical sounding title, this doctoral dissertation is very well written and easy to understand. This is based not only on the author’s research but on fifteen years’ experience as a social worker who has worked mostly with troubled teens.
The first part of the dissertation discusses the problem with turnover among people who go into social work. The workers who deal directly with people in residential programs fall into two groups—those who are averaging twenty years and those who average less than four years. There is a lot of burnout and frustration. In many cases the workers simply do not know how to handle problems or conflicts when they arise.
Long’s solution, or at least her method, to help social workers was developed by M. M. Linehan. The academic term Linehan coined is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This is not Marxist or Hegelian. It has nothing to do with historical movements or the power of the state. The term dialectic simply means the coming up of a synthesis out of differing positions. In other words, this is a practical way to work out conflict.
The main thrust is to find a synthesis. Recognize wisely that there are differences without taking a hard or emotional stand. While the publication deals with a variety of circumstances as examples, let me illustrate one practical idea I got from reading this. Emotions are useful tools, but successful people are not ruled by them. Neither does mere rationality succeed with people all the time. Long writes that emotions are like an ocean wave: you can avoid it, you can stand against it and get knocked down, or you can ride it, staying on top.
The bulk of the dissertation (about 120 pages out of 200 or so) is an illustrated practical training manual. This lays out the DBT process using the workbook format with illustrations and mnemonic devices. The training is meant to be practiced over a twelve week period or a two week intensive. While it is geared towards those dealing with teens in residential treatment, it can help anyone understand personal relationships better and how to get along with others, helping them without being either condescending or an enabler. This could be a blessing to many. (See Philippians 2:3).