What Is Mode Deactivation Therapy?

Counseling Interventions

Although there are many difficulties in working with clients who have personality disorders, there are specialized options to ensure proper care for these individuals. One in particular, is mode deactivation therapy (MDT), which is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that combines the balance of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and the importance of perception from functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP) (Apsche & Ward-Bailey, 2004). It has been targeted for adolescents with complicated histories of abuse, neglect, and multi-axial diagnoses, but can be applied to many different populations. It is particularly applied to those suffering from reactive conduct disorders and personality disorders (Apsche & Ward-Bailey,

Clinicians can assist the client in developing a list of specific dissatisfactions, such as his difficulties with the law, inability to sustain a home, inability to obtain sufficient income, and his difficulties sustaining relationships (Bockian & Jongsma, 2001). Also, helping him to start challenging his beliefs/worldview and restructuring them to reduce his aggression and impulsivity would be a major goal in his counseling. By restructuring beliefs, MDT addresses underlying perceptions that may be applicable to setting in motion the mode related charge of aberrant schemas (Apsche & Ward-Bailey, 2004). Essentially, by modifying these beliefs we can then modify his behaviors and get him to where he wants to

When he is in a situation that triggers fear, it is a reminder of pain and he cannot control the “internal or external events that influence emotional response” and he will react with anger and/or aggression (Apsche & Ward-Bailey, 2004). This is a continuous cycle in antisocial personality disorder. Working to release these feelings by incorporating meditation, imagery, and relaxation would be recommended to this client. Research has consistently demonstrated that counseling interventions using mindfulness is useful to improve overall well-being and reduce psychopathology (Brown, Marquis, & Guiffrida, 2013). These activities could help him to release some of his built-up anger along with attending exercising courses, such as intense crossfit and/or kickboxing. Also, as the clinician I would work with this client to create a healthier lifestyle (e.g. having a consistent exercise routine, diet plan, and sleep hygiene plan) that can prevent any further health complications from occurring. The physical dimension is most important for therapists to recommend when working with clients who are experiencing aggression and anger, which can help to release those feelings in a more positive way. Exercise can also assist with alleviating potential side effects of medication(s) for Milo if he needs to be on