Objective: There is a dearth of practice-based evidence of adapted or ‘DBTinformed’
transdiagnostic models, which could provide services and
clinicians with information of what works and for whom, in which
settings. This paper aims to bridge this gap by exploring the client
experience of a 12-week transdiagnostic dialectical behaviour therapy
(DBT) group programme in a private psychiatric hospital. Method: Five
participants with varied clinical diagnoses and previous therapeutic
experiences were interviewed following completion of one or more of the
same adapted DBT programme, comprising of the standard four modules
over 12 weeks, including a weekly skills group and 1:1 therapy.
Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was applied to give voice
to the clients’ lived experience of the group. Results: Three master themes
were identified: ‘Pre DBT: Crisis & Desperation’; ‘In-session: Belonging’;
and ‘The Real World: Living’, each characterised by four sub-themes,
highlighting helpful and hindering factors of clients’ current and previous
therapeutic experiences. Conclusion: Overall this version of DBT in a
transdiagnostic setting was experienced as helpful and positive by
participants; main outcomes included being able to build a life worth
living, feel hope and joy, build DBT skills into a lifestyle, and develop
reflective practice. Implications for clinical practice, service delivery and
policy are also discussed. The article aims to provide clinicians with
practice-based evidence to inform the delivery of DBT as well as
supporting the case for the use of DBT with various disorders, thus paving
the way for future research in this area