Dialectical
Behavioral
Therapy (DBT)
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy originally designed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). It has since expanded to address a range of mental health issues. DBT combines principles of acceptance and change, integrating strategies from traditional behavioral therapy with concepts of mindfulness and dialectics, which involve balancing opposing ideas. This approach helps individuals learn to regulate emotions, manage stress, improve interpersonal relationships, and cultivate mindfulness. DBT is structured around four main skills modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills collectively aim to help individuals better understand their emotions and respond to challenges in healthier ways.
How Does DBT Work?
In individual therapy, clients work one-on-one with a therapist to set personal goals and apply DBT skills to real-life situations. Skills training groups, often conducted in a classroom-like setting, focus on teaching and practicing the four DBT skills modules. This structure allows for continuous reinforcement of skills and supports clients as they work toward long-term behavioral change. DBT therapists also can engage in consultation teams, which provide support and accountability to maintain therapeutic effectiveness.
DBT is particularly effective for individuals experiencing intense, unstable emotions and impulsive behaviors. It’s commonly used to treat borderline personality disorder, where individuals often struggle with mood swings, relationship difficulties, and self-harming behaviors. Additionally, DBT is effective in treating other conditions like substance use disorders, eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms like chronic suicidal ideation, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and self-destructive behaviors respond well to DBT’s structured approach.
