Dimensional Solution-Based Treatment (DSBT): A Unique Approach

The specific treatment model of this program—Dimensional Solution-Based Treatment (DSBT)—validates the worth & strength of the individual, while addressing age-related dimensions or issues that are creating obstacles and conflict for successful, productive, and meaningful growth.

• Dimensional Solution-Based Treatment (DSBT). A benchmark approach to uniquely address the needs of the recovering adult patient.

Dimensional Solution-Based Treatment (DSBT) is a short-term treatment intervention based on “here & now” paradigms, coupled with practice applications that can be employed when working with adults addressing addiction and recovery concerns.

• An Intervention paradigm that focuses on the value of each stage of adult development

• Grounded in empirically tested theoretical practice models

• Short-term intervention that addresses the intersection of stages and dimensions, i.e., “developmental-dimensions”

Holistic Triage is a treatment paradigm that focuses on the specific dimensions of the individual’s life that require reconfiguration and restructuring. The therapeutic approach of the Holistic Triage intervention targets Energy (Nutrition), Strength-Building (Pilates) and Relaxation Techniques (Yoga). In combination, all three of these domains create a goal-oriented, structured and all-encompassing recovery path.

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Theoretical Constructs: The Theory of Dimensionality

The Theory of Dimensionality (Force, 2003), is a theoretical construct promoting both an appreciation and understanding of the Stages of Development (Vertical Perspective of Development) – coupled with an appreciation and understanding of the importance of the “Dimensions” (Horizontal Perspective of Developmental Life Events, e.g. Health, Finances, Relationships, Self-Concept, Family, Career, Caregiving, Children, Spirituality…etc.) within that particular stage.

The Theory of Dimensionality paradigm is simply:

Ph = S + D

Personhood = Stages + Dimensions

Personhood (Ph) is defined by the combination of Stage (S) of Development and Dimensions (D) within that stage. The construct of “Personhood” (Ph) is expansive, organic and progressive. This is in contrast to the construct of ”Stage” (S) that is fixed and cannot be changed or altered. Finally, the construct of “Dimensions” (D) - being permeable, i.e., these are life events, unique to each individual, and can change in shape, size and intensity – by how the individual interprets or perceives them.

Inverse Relationship:

There is also an inverse relationship between Personhood (Ph) and the perception/ interpretation of Dimensions (D):

• As Personhood (Ph) is diminished – the perception of Dimensions are expanded – and life events become overwhelming and chaotic

• As Personhood (Ph) is expanded – the perception of overwhelming nature of the Dimensions (D) are diminished and become manageable Life Events.

From Theory to Practice:

There is “Nothing Like a Good Theory”. Theoretical perspectives are wonderful and very useful – they become compasses to help the Practitioner find their way in working with individuals. However, there is a ‘therapeutic life’ beyond a “Good Theory” and that ‘therapeutic life’ can be found in an Applied Treatment Modality, i.e., a Practice Intervention or Orientation. Dimensional Solution-Based Treatment (DSBT) is a Practice Intervention that is grounded in the Theory of Dimensionality.

What is Dimensional Solution-Based Treatment (DSBT)?

Dimensional Solution-Based Treatment (DSBT) is a short-term treatment intervention based upon the Theory of Dimensionality and influenced by the Schools of Thought of: Task-Centered Social Work, Solution-Focused Intervention, Cognitive-Behavioral Training, Rational Emotive Therapy and Mindfulness Training. DSBT is a “Here & Now” paradigm. DSBT is grounded in a theoretical perspective, coupled with practice applications that can be employed in working with adults, and their family members, who are addressing a wide range of issues and concern in Adulthood.

DSBT is:

• An Intervention paradigm that focuses on the value of each stage of Adult Development

• Grounded in empirically tested theoretical Practice Models

• Short-term intervention that addresses the intersection of Stages (S) & Dimensions (D), i.e.,” developmental-dimensions” in adulthood.

• Focused on increasing ‘Skills and Tools’ that will enhance the “Reflection and Perception of Personhood”

Practice Constructs:

Ph = S + D

Personhood = Stages + Dimensions

• Personhood is defined by the combination of stage of Development and dimensions within that stage

• The construct of “Personhood” is expansive, organic & progressive

• The construct of ”Stage” is fixed

• The constructs of “Dimensions” are permeable (i.e., they change in size, intensity & focus)

• Dimensional-Solutions are achieved by ‘Seeding or Flooding” the person with content knowledge and opportunities for new skills that will assist in altering the Person’s perception of themselves and therefore, their perception of the Dimensions (D), i.e., life events in their life

• It is not the “Dimension” (D) that changes – but rather the person’s perception of the Dimension (D)

• A ‘Systems Perspective’ is recommended – (but not necessarily of the external factors – e.g. family, friends and intergenerational issues – but rather an ‘Internal Systems Perspective’ of the Person – from a: Cognitive (Thinking & Imagery), Energy (Nutrition, Wellness & Spirituality) and Movement (Exercise, Strength & Breath Work), i.e., a “Holistic Triage” paradigm

• What changes – is the Person’s View of themselves

• Change in Personhood (Ph) (driven by the Individual) will alter the perceptions of the “Dimensions (D)” - although the “Stage (S)“ Construct is Fixed)

Dimensional Solution-Based Treatment (DSBT), a Practice Orientation developed from The Theory of Dimensionality, can be utilized with individuals who are addressing a wide range of concerns in Adulthood. The Dimensional Solution-Based Treatment (DSBT) Approach provides the individual with ‘Tools and a Skill Set’ to build Resiliency - by incorporating a “Holistic Triage” paradigm into the Intervention, i.e., emphasizing Natural Supports to enhance Cognitive (Thinking & Imagery), Energy (Nutrition, Wellness & Spirituality) and Movement (Exercise, Strength Building, Yoga, Pilates & Breath Work) domains. In addition, the DSBT paradigm places a heavy emphasis on the value of Internal Reflection. Knowing that: “there is no one who speaks to us – more than we speak to ourselves”. And the problem is: “we typically say negative, derogatory and off-putting things to ourselves that we would never allow others to say to us.” Therefore, the DSBT approach encourages one to employ a self-driven therapeutic process, that can be initiated immediately and daily, by altering the way we internally speak and dialogue to ourselves about: “who we are”. Strength and hope, and therefore, the positive / supportive words that we say to ourselves can be derived from periods of Reflection, Mediation and Prayer, i.e. a Spirituality Connection. (The Source of where one finds - a sense of relief, guidance, strength and solace will be dictated, uniquely and individually, by each person). The Dimensional Solution-Based Treatment (DSBT) approach shifts the intervention paradigm from a Bio-Psycho-Social approach to that of a: Cognitive -Energy – Movement approach. The underlying beliefs are:

• “Movement = Change”

• “Change = Movement”

• “Move a Muscle – Change a Thought”.

Case Study

“ I never thought this would be my life”

Female, Age 39

As noted, there is no one who talks to us – more than we talk to ourselves. A 39-Year-Old Female client provided this above quote. When it was initially presented – the connotation was negative & problematic. Using her words – the focus was on “what was wrong”. From her perspective, the landscape of life was fragmented, closing-in and negative. By recommending an infusion of the “Holistic Triage” paradigm, (i.e., a therapeutic intervention targeting Energy (Nutrition, Hydration), Strength-Building (Weight Training, Toning, Pilates) and Relaxation Techniques (Hypnosis, Guided imagery, Yoga). In combination, all three of these domains, created by the Person, a goal-oriented, structured and all-encompassing recovery path. Thus, the client was eventually able to identify with the above quote, not from a negative perspective, but rather from a positive (celebratory) perspective.

Summary:

Change requires Work and Effort. The DSBT Approach provides the Person with: “Tools and Skill Sets” to build Resiliency by incorporating Natural Supports. In working with Clients, who desire change in their lives, the basic tenet of Dimensional Solution-Based Treatment (DSBT) is:

“It’s not Grow-Up - but rather - Grow-In & Grow-Out”.

Want more information about this proven unique approach? Please contact me.

Regards, Dr. Force

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