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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Sexual Minority Populations

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Sexual Minorities and Mental Health

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Abstract

Individuals identifying as sexual minorities and sexuality diverse (that is, LGBQ+) are at increased risk of difficulties associated with emotion dysregulation, such as self-harm and suicidal behaviours, compared to their heterosexual peers. This increased risk is thought to be explained by exposure to minority stressors and invalidation in heteronormative environments. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based intervention targeting emotion dysregulation and associated difficulties. This chapter will outline the ways in which DBT may be a potentially viable option for supporting sexuality-diverse or -minority individuals experiencing psychological distress, emotion deregulation, self-harm, and suicidal behaviours. It is considered that the underlying transactional biosocial model, principle-based nature of the therapy, and applicability of the principles and skills may be particular strengths of DBT in supporting LGBQ+ people in distress. This chapter further discusses suggestions for therapists supporting sexual-minorities, relevant research investigating the applicability of DBT to this population, and LGBQ-affirmative adaptations for sexuality-diverse clients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK

    Jake Camp

  2. National & Specialist CAMHS, DBT Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK

    Jake Camp

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Correspondence to Jake Camp .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK

    Joanna Semlyen

  2. Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, University of Essex, Colchester, UK

    Poul Rohleder

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Camp, J. (2023). Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Sexual Minority Populations. In: Semlyen, J., Rohleder, P. (eds) Sexual Minorities and Mental Health. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-37438-8_12

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