Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
“Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) provides clients new skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. DBT specifically focuses on providing therapeutic skills in four key areas. First, mindfulness focuses on improving an individual’s ability to accept and be present in the current moment. Second, distress tolerance is geared toward increasing a person’s tolerance of negative emotion rather than trying to escape it. Third, emotion regulation covers strategies to manage and change intense emotions causing problems in a person’s life. Fourth, interpersonal effectiveness consists of techniques that allow a person to communicate with others in a way that is assertive, maintains self-respect, and strengthens relationships.”
What's Unique About Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?
Conditions Do DBT Treat?
DBT is an effective treatment for various mental health disorders, including
– Borderline Personality Disorder
-Depression
-Eating Disorders
-Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
-Substance Abuse Disorders
How Does DBT Work?
What Happens in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?
When Is It Used?
Stages of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?
Dialectical behavioral therapy typically consists of four steps:
-Stage 1: The therapist works with the individual to help them understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The goal of this stage is for the individual to identify when they are in a state of distress.
-Stage 2: The therapist and individual work together to develop coping skills. This can include learning how to meditate, journaling, or role-playing.
-Stage 3: The therapist helps the individual to apply their coping skills in real-world situations.
-Stage 4: The therapist and individual work together to prevent relapse and continue working on any remaining issue.
