Dialectical Behavior Therapy

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you manage emotions and connect better with your thoughts and actions. Developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s, DBT was initially used for borderline personality disorder and suicidal ideation but is now used to treat many different conditions.

• Benefits of Dialectical Behavior Therapy

  DBT can help you cope with difficult emotions, improve your relationships, and more. Here are some key benefits:

  • Self-Acceptance: DBT helps you foster self-acceptance, make peace with your current circumstances, and process past experiences.
  • Motivation to Change: Therapists help you analyze problems and find ways to make positive changes.
  • Improve Behaviors: DBT can help you break free from detrimental behavior patterns and replace them with healthier choices.
  • Interrupt Thought Patterns: Learn skills to change negative thoughts and beliefs.
  • Improved Communication: Develop better communication and collaboration skills with family, friends, therapists, and psychiatrists.
  • Life Skills: Apply DBT skills to all areas of your life, enhancing relationships, work, and school.

• Skills Taught in Dialectical Behavior Therapy

  DBT teaches four core skills to help you manage your condition:

  • Mindfulness: Stay present and alleviate stress and anxiety through deep breathing, paying attention to your senses, and awareness of thought patterns.
  • Distress Tolerance: Accept your situation even in a crisis, using distraction and self-soothing to boost tolerance.
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: Set boundaries, self-advocate, and maintain healthy relationships by being gentle, showing interest, and validating feelings.
  • Emotion Regulation: Identify and take charge of your emotions, even when feeling sad or angry.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy Techniques

  DBT uses various techniques to address your needs, including:

  • One-on-One Therapy Sessions: One-hour sessions to discuss problem-solving techniques and learn life management skills.
  • Group Therapy Sessions: Group sessions with peers where you hone skills for handling substance use disorders, depression, and more.