Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

What is DBT?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy, meaning that it has proven to be effective. DBT is a skills-based therapy that teaches you how to live in the moment, cope effectively with stress, regulate and manage painful emotions, and improve relationships with others.

“DBT skills

are life skills.”

-Marsha Linehan

Who may Benefit from DBT?

Research has shown DBT to be effective for a wide variety of conditions amongst both adults, teens, and adolescents. While this is not an exhaustive list, some common issues that DBT can help with include:

  • Depression & Anxiety

  • Low Self-Esteem/Self-Worth

  • Impulsivity & Behavior Problems

  • Anger Management

  • Emotion Regulation, Intense Emotions, or Rollercoaster Emotions

  • Relationship Conflict

  • Passive or Agressive Communication

  • Trauma (coping skills to handle processing the trauma)

  • Non-suicidal self-harm and/or suicidal behavior(s)

While DBT can help regardless of whether you have a mental health diagnosis, it’s often used to support people who experience:

  • Mood Disorders, including Bipolar Disorder

  • Personality disorders, including those with co-occurring: substance use, suicidal and self-harming behavior, PTSD, high irritability

  • Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)

  • Eating disorders, Binge Eating Disorder

More on DBT…

The term “dialectics” refers to the concept of deriving clarity from two seemingly opposing forces—in this case, accepting you for who you are (and what your situation is) and at the same time- empowering you to change.  DBT does this by teaching specific skills.  These skills are grouped into four modules: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness.

DBT Modules

 

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is centered on improving one’s ability to accept and be present in the current moment. It aids in your ability to recognize and describe your feelings, thoughts, and urges to act. Mindfulness helps you to learn how to be less judgmental of yourself and others.

Emotion Regulation

Emotion regulation focuses on strategies to manage and change intense emotions that are causing the problems in your life. This is about understanding your emotions and “riding them out” so to speak.

Distress Tolerance

Distress tolerance is focused on increasing a person’s tolerance of negative emotion, rather than fighting or escaping from it. This is about learning how to deal with the inevitable pains and stresses of life…  and getting through difficult situations without making things worse.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal effectiveness is geared toward skills that help you to communicate with others in a way that is assertive, maintains self-respect and ultimately improves relationships.

 

DIALECTICAL BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (DBT)

Traditionally, DBT is a long-term therapy that consists of individual therapy sessions in conjunction with DBT Skills Training groups. I am able to teach these skills to you in our individual sessions. Currently I do not offer an adjunct DBT Skills Training group. If you are looking for a DBT Skills Training group in addition to individual DBT therapy, I am able to connect you to one. As a member of an established DBT Consultation team, I collaborate with highly trained DBT clinicians and DBT Skills Training group leaders.