What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured form of skills training therapy designed to help individuals manage intense emotions and improve their relationships. Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s, DBT combines traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices, emphasizing the balance (the ‘dialectic’) between acceptance and change.
How Does DBT Work?
DBT involves a combination of individual therapy sessions, group skills training, and phone coaching. The therapy focuses on four key skill areas:
Mindfulness: Enhances awareness and acceptance of the present moment.
Distress Tolerance: Provides strategies to cope with and survive crises without resorting to harmful behaviors.
Emotion Regulation: Helps clients understand and manage their emotions effectively.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Teaches skills to communicate assertively, maintain relationships, and respect oneself and others.
Therapists work collaboratively with clients, helping them identify personal goals and build skills to achieve them. Through regular sessions and practical exercises, clients learn to apply these skills in their daily lives.
Who Can Benefit from DBT?
DBT is particularly effective for individuals who struggle with:
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Emotional dysregulation
Suicidal ideation
Chronic depression or anxiety
Substance use disorders
By fostering a balance between validation and acceptance of where one is, while holding the belief that one can change, DBT empowers clients to build a life worth living. Whether dealing with intense emotional pain, relationship difficulties, or destructive behaviors, DBT provides the tools and support needed for meaningful and lasting change.
Every therapist here at Creative Solutions Therapy and Coaching Collective has experience in providing DBT-informed care for individuals and groups.