What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy that falls under the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy umbrella. DBT is designed to help people manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and cope with distress in healthier ways. DBT has been proven effective for a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and impacts from trauma. DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices and emphasizes balancing acceptance with change. DBT also focuses on skills development through the following 4 pilers:
- Mindfulness
- Distress Tolerance
- Emotion Regulation
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
How does DBT work?
At DHC, our therapists may use a DBT-informed therapy framework. This means the core principles and skills of DBT are utilized without following the full, structured DBT program. DBT-informed therapy focuses on helping clients build practical coping skills and develop greater emotional awareness and stability. DBT-informed therapy is flexible and tailored to each person's needs, making it a valuable option for those who may not require or have access to full DBT treatment but can still benefit from its powerful tools for change. For more information regarding DBT therapy, please visit the Behavioral Tech Institute (formerly known as the Linehan Institute) or DBT Institute of Michigan.
What does DBT help?
DBT has been proven useful for treatment in the following concerns:
Anxiety and panic disorders
Difficulties in relationships or impulsive behaviors
Disordered eating
Emotion dysregulation
Mood disorders such as depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
None of the above symptoms or experiences fit you?
Do you experience distressing emotions that appear to you, and perhaps to others, to be excessive given the current situation? Do you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers? Is there one or more dysfunctional beliefs that you believe about yourself that on an intellectual level you know is not true?
If so, you may still be a good candidate for DBT-informed skill development. Contact us today for a free 30 minute video consultation call to see if DBT-informed skills development might help you cultivate your life worth living.