What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Therapy approaches have evolved over the years, seeking to provide individuals with effective tools and strategies to manage emotional distress and improve their overall well-being. As society becomes more polarized in perspectives, one such approach that has gained significant recognition is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Initially developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and suicidal women, DBT has since proven its efficacy in helping people struggling with a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges.

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

DBT, developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s, combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with elements of mindfulness and acceptance. DBT aims to help individuals gain emotional regulation skills, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop strategies for coping with distressing thoughts and emotions.

What does dialectical in DBT mean?

Dialectical means "the existence of opposites." Dialectical statements include "I'm excited but feel anxious about this transition," and "I love you, but I need space right now." Often the thinking that is combatted with DBT is black-and-white thinking. Therapists helps individuals find a balance between acceptance and change, validating their experiences and encouraging growth and transformation. This approach allows individuals to embrace reality while working towards a better future.There are several key principles and components of DBT therapy.

What to expect with DBT

The DBT program offered through the Current includes individual sessions, weekly group sessions, in-the-moment skills sessions, and a consultation team for therapists.

Individual sessions are one-on-one with a therapist that will provide you with support, validation, and invidualized steps to help you accomplish your goals.

Weekly group sessions are an educational group where you will learn coping methods using the four key components of DBT.

In-the-moment skills coaching is a unique and effective aspect of DBT that allows you to access your therapist outside of your in-person sessions.

Consultation teams for therapist help all of our therapists stay supported while they support you.

Key Components of DBT

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the foundation of DBT therapy. It involves cultivating awareness and focus of the present moment without judgment. By focusing on the here and now, individuals learn to observe their thoughts, emotions, and sensations without feeling overwhelmed. Mindfulness practice enables individuals to develop a greater sense of control over their reactions and make wiser choices.

Distress Tolerance

Life is filled with ups and downs, and learning to tolerate distressing situations is crucial. The distress tolerance component of DBT teaches individuals skills to navigate crises, manage intense emotions, and cope with pain or disappointment without resorting to self-destructive behaviors. These skills empower individuals to ride out the wave of distress until the situation improves.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Difficulties in interpersonal relationships are often a significant source of distress. DBT emphasizes developing effective communication skills, assertiveness, and boundary-setting. Individuals learn to express their needs and effectively communicate them in a respectful way and build and maintain healthy relationships.

Emotion Regulation:

Many individuals who seek DBT therapy struggle with intense and fluctuating emotions. The emotion regulation component of DBT helps individuals identify and label their emotions, understand their functions, and develop healthy strategies to regulate them. By acquiring these skills, individuals can prevent emotional reactivity and engage in more balanced responses.

The Impact of DBT

DBT has shown tremendous effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions beyond borderline personality disorder. Research has demonstrated its positive outcomes in substance abuse, eating disorders, self-harm behaviors, and mood disorders. By equipping individuals with practical skills to manage emotions and navigate life's challenges, DBT offers hope and empowers them to lead more fulfilling lives.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy has emerged as a powerful therapeutic approach, offering the tools and strategies to manage emotional distress, develop healthy relationships, and lead meaningful lives. Through its focus on mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation, DBT therapy has transformed the lives of countless individuals struggling with a range of mental health issues. As awareness of DBT continues to grow, it is poised to have an even more significant impact in the field of mental health, bringing hope and healing to those in need.