because self-injurious behaviour is both functional (helps patient temporarily reduce distress) and dysfunctional (generates negative impacts on health and is associated with suicide risk) (Salsman & Linehan, 2006). This dialectical tension is reconciled by forming a new idea (synthesis) that helps patients reduce distress without producing negative effects. Additionally, Linehan maintained the importance of validation strategies; affirming the patients’ experience and symptomatic reason would motivate and encourage patients to change detrimental behaviours (Salsman & Linehan, 2006). DBT helps patients find the synthesis to their behavioural dilemmas with the hope that patients will feel both validated and learn more skillful behaviours.

DBT achieves this synthesis through a multimodal skill training programme that emphasises skill training in aspects BPD patients find difficult to accomplish, namely, distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Such skills are lacking in an emotionally sensitive individual with BPD, yet are crucial for these patients to manage “invalidating” environments (i.e. environments that do not accommodate the sensitive individual’s special needs and may elicit destructive thoughts or behaviours) (Choi-Kain, Albert & Gunderson, 2016). DBT treatment offers an extensive intervention that is divided into 4 components; individual therapy, group skills training, between-session telephone coaching, and a therapist consultation team which are all aimed at equipping BPD patients with the previously mentioned skills (Linehan, et al., 2015). The overarching goal of DBT is to help patients develop a different outlook on life by transforming negative thinking patterns and destructive behaviours into positive outcomes. In other words, DBT aims to reduce BPD symptoms but also help patients develop a fulfilling life such that the option of suicide is no longer desirable (Chugani, Seiler & Goldstein, 2017).