Did you know what you need? Predictors of Burnout in Dialectical Behavior Therapy clinicians
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Bhakti Perez
CoPIs:
Morgan Fishman
College:
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major:
Counseling
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Aditi Vijay
Abstract:
Despite its effectiveness, the intensive nature of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can lead to burnout for both therapists and clients. DBT burnout encompasses the depletion of physical, emotional, and mental resources due to the demanding nature of the therapy. Therapists may experience burnout from the emotional intensity of working with clients grappling with severe mental health issues, while clients may find the commitment and effort required overwhelming (Warlick et al., 2020). To address DBT burnout, therapists prioritize self-care and establish healthy boundaries. Regular supervision and consultation with other therapists provide vital support, preventing emotional exhaustion (Jergensen, 2017). Clients benefit from ongoing support, encouragement, and acknowledgment of progress to avoid burnout and enhance motivation for the therapeutic process. In this context, the consultation team emerges as a critical yet understudied component of the DBT model. We aimed to pinpoint measurable details within the DBT consultation team to assess their effectiveness within the group. Distinguished from supervision by a peer-oriented structure, the consultation team is led by an experienced DBT therapist who ensures adherence to DBT principles. Team members actively provide DBT to clients, assuring compliance with the four DBT modules. Regularly scheduled meetings, guided by a consultation agreement, address confidentiality, team commitment, and fidelity to the DBT model (Noll et al., 2020). The presentation will share data from a consultation team sample (N=35). Participants completed self-report measures on personal information, team characteristics, mindfulness, attitudes towards people with BPD, and burnout levels. Respondents, spanning various settings, indicated varying degrees of feeling heard, supported, and motivated after team meetings. Clinicians reported moderate burnout (M=36.58, SD=15.30) and mindfulness levels (M=3.87, SD=.52), with a significant negative association between burnout and mindfulness (r = -.73, p =.03). Institutional support emerged as a predictor of therapist burnout (p=.00, F=9.48). The study, addressing limitations in previous research, uses a larger team sample to evaluate therapist satisfaction and burnout. DBT stands as a powerful therapeutic approach, yet its intensity poses challenges leading to burnout. Recognizing the signs and implementing strategies for self-care and support, especially within consultation teams, is paramount to sustaining the effectiveness of DBT interventions for therapists and clients alike.