What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?
- Definition:
- DBT is an evidence-based psychotherapy treatment focused on using easy-to-access skills to help practice mindfulness, regulate emotions, de-escalate crisis and high-risk behaviors, and support healthy relationships.
- “Dialectical” means combining opposite ideas. DBT focuses on helping people accept the reality of their lives and their behaviors, as well as helping them learn to change their lives, including their unhelpful behaviors.
- How it Works:
- In DBT-informed environments sessions include clients being taught healthy coping skills within the four modules of DBT (see below).
- Clients are encouraged to use and practice these skills in between sessions while NOT in crisis so that they are more easily accessible when one is in crisis.
- The usage, or lack of usage, of these skills are then explored and discussed in sessions to help a client integrate them into their day to day life.
- Focus:
- Skills are taught in the following four modules:
- Mindfulness: Paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
- Emotional Regulation: Understanding and managing intense emotions.
- Distress Tolerance: Coping with difficult situations and reducing self-harm.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improving relationships and assertiveness.
What Does DBT Treat and What Are the Benefits?
- Conditions Treated:
- Self-harm
- Suicidal Behavior
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Substance Abuse Disorders
- Benefits:
- Builds more awareness of self and the thoughts and feelings that drive behavior.
- Reduces impulsive risky behaviors such as self-harm, substance misuse, lashing out physically or verbally against others, etc.
- Helps people live a “life worth living” by having goals, focusing on one’s own values, overcoming challenges, having self-compassion, etc.
Who is DBT Appropriate For?
- Well Suited For:
- Adolescents, young adults and adults.
- Individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or low self-esteem.
- Ideal for:
- Those willing to actively participate in sessions and practice skills between appointments.
- People who prefer a structured, goal-focused therapeutic approach.
