DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

DBT is a form of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) based on balancing change and acceptance. DBT does this through teaching new skills that can change the way people behave, while at the same time accepting that we are doing the best we can right now. DBT was originally designed to treat individuals at high risk for suicide and self harm and is now the standard treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder. You can learn more here.

DBT has four basic modules (and skills components): Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness and Mindfulness. 

  • Distress Tolerance - skills designed to help you tolerate uncomfortable thoughts and feelings

  • Emotion Regulation - skills that help you understand and label your emotions so you can change your relationship to them and improve functioning 

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness - learn how to ask for and get what you want, while also helping others get what they want

  • Mindfulness - learn to be present in the moment - without judgment

What You Can Expect

I use DBT in some aspect with almost all of my clients.DBT is manualized and has a skills training manual so there are handouts I provide to strengthen your in session learning. I generally start with Distress Tolerance skills because people decide to come to therapy when their current ability to function is compromised or overwhelmed. We will discuss your current coping skills and I will probably suggest one or more Distress Tolerance skills for you to try and report back on. I also introduce mindfulness in the beginning of our work together because most of us spend a lot of time being distracted and doing things on autopilot. We will discuss and practice mindfulness together in session. I will encourage you to start or continue a mindfulness practice and report back on how it is working. Interpersonal Effectiveness and Emotion Regulation are helpful as well and I will probably bring in skills from both modules. You will get homework in DBT but hopefully this will help you see the changes you are making in your life (or help identify the places where you are getting stuck). 

DBT has shown to be effective for:

  • Personality Disorders (especially Borderline Personality Disorder)

  • Substance abuse and addiction

  • Depression

  • Eating disorders

  • PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and CPTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder)

Interested in receiving DBT from us?

Follow the link below to learn more and schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation call today.