What is DBT and how can it help?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is based on the concept that opposite ideas like acceptance (who you are is good enough) and change (you can also be better and can improve) can both be true. What DBT offers is like a toolkit which can help you — with four core skills to navigate the twists and turns:

  1. Mindfulness: Go within, observe feelings, and tame the mental chatter. It’s your inner compass.

  2. Acceptance & Distress Tolerance: When life throws curveballs, stay steady. No knee-jerk reactions—just resilience.

  3. Emotional Regulation: Emotions are like weather—sometimes stormy, sometimes sunny. Learn to ride the waves.

  4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Deal with conflicts like a pro. Boost self-respect, connect authentically.

Eeady to thrive? Let’s dive into DBT tools together!

What Is DBT?

DBT stands for Dialectical Behavior Therapy. It’s an evidence-based treatment developed by Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, DBT has since evolved and is effective for anyone experiencing chronic emotion dysregulation.

Who Benefits from DBT?

Initially, DBT was for individuals with borderline personality disorder who exhibited suicidality or self-harm. However, it’s now effective for anyone with:

  • Over-control or under-control of emotions

  • Extreme anger, shame, or guilt

  • Suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors

  • Substance abuse or other maladaptive coping strategies

What’s Included in a DBT Program?

A typical DBT program involves a one-year commitment for most clients. It includes:

  • Weekly individual sessions

  • Skills group sessions (also weekly)

  • Coordinated homework assignments

  • Access to coaching between sessions

Is DBT Forever?

Nope! Most clients don’t need to be in DBT forever. Graduates often go on to lead meaningful lives with reduced suffering. Commitments are usually in six-month intervals.

Is DBT Only for Borderline Personality Disorder?

Nope! Although initially designed for BPD, DBT is effective for various emotional struggles. It has also proven extremely effect for helping with ADHD and ASD

Can DBT work when other therapies haven’t?

Absolutely! DBT targets specific skills deficits that may have been missed in other therapies.

Contact me today to learn more about DBT