Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

What is DBT ?

DBT stands for dialectical behavior therapy and it is a skills based therapy technique- which means you will learn how to apply practical skills to your life.

What are the 4 skills taught?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is made up of four interconnected modules, each addressing crucial aspects of emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.These modules work together to provide a comprehensive approach to managing emotions, behaviors, and relationships, ultimately leading to improved mental health and well-being.

1.Mindfulness

This foundational module teaches present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental observation. You will learn to fully engage with your experiences, reduce reactivity to thoughts and emotions, and develop a deeper self-understanding.

2. Distress Tolerance

Distress tolerance skills empower individuals to cope effectively with difficult emotions and situations without resorting to harmful behaviors. Techniques include distraction, self-soothing, and radical acceptance, enabling people to navigate crises skillfully.

3. Emotion Regulation

This module focuses on identifying, understanding, and managing emotions effectively. You’ll learn to recognize emotional triggers, implement coping strategies, and increase emotional awareness, fostering stability and balance in your emotional experiences.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness

The interpersonal effectiveness module teaches skills for navigating relationships, communicating assertively, and resolving conflicts. You will learn to assert your needs, set boundaries, and maintain healthy connections, enhancing your overall interpersonal skills.

How is DBT different?

DBT is particularly beneficial for:

People struggling with emotion dysregulation: Those who have difficulty managing intense emotions and often engage in impulsive or self-destructive behaviors (such as intense emotional swings, impulsivity, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts).

 Adults with various mental health conditions:

  • Anxiety and Panic

  • Depression

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Bipolar or other mood disorders

  • Personality disorder (e.g., BPD)

  • Eating disorders (e.g., bulimia, binge eating)

  • Substance use and behavioral addiction (i.e., gaming, pornography, sex, shopping, exercise)

Individuals experiencing crisis: DBT provides crucial skills for managing and reducing self-destructive tendencies like self-harm and suicidal behavior.

Those with interpersonal difficulties: People who struggle with maintaining healthy relationships or have frequent conflicts with others

People who haven't responded well to other therapies: DBT can be particularly helpful for those who need a more intensive and structured approach to treatment.

DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) emphasizes two complementary approaches:

  1. Acceptance and tolerance of current emotional states and

  2. Learning skill-based strategies for managing emotions

The therapy encourages you to:acknowledge and accept your present emotional experiences without judgment and develop and apply specific skills to cope with challenging emotions when change is not immediately possible

This dual focus on acceptance and change creates a balanced approach to emotional regulation, helping individuals navigate difficult feelings more effectively.