Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. that focuses on assisting individuals in recognizing the areas where they utilize inappropriate or inefficient strategies to guide their behavior and interpersonal relationships. Assuming that many of the difficulties that a client is experiencing are the result of skills deficits, DBT focuses on supporting emotional regulation and motivation.
DBT can help with:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Eating Disorders
- Major Depression
- Nonsuicidal Self-Injurious (NSSI) Behavior
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Substance Abuse
- Transdiagnostic Emotion Dysregulation
An evidenced-based treatment, research has displayed that people experiencing suicidal thoughts and difficultly coping with their emotions tend to be better equipped to manage their feelings and tolerance distress as a result of DBT.
With DBT you will build the four major skills of (1) distress tolerance, (2) emotion regulation, (3) interpersonal effectiveness, and (4) mindfulness and be able to live a happier and more balanced life.
DBT skills taught:
- Comparative coping
- Distraction techniques
- Emotional exposure
- How skills
- Interpersonal effectiveness
- Objective effectiveness
- Problem solving
- Self-respect effectiveness
- Self-soothing
- What skills
Dialectical behavioral therapy believes that each client is trying their best AND they need to learn new behaviors in various contexts of their lives to enhance their ability to monitor, control, and express their emotions in healthy ways. Through skills training (both in individual and group settings) clients learns how to combat daily challenges and work towards having their needs met.
If you or someone you know would benefit from skill-based approach to therapy, please contact me today and we can begin to developing strategies together.