Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an empirically validated treatment model designed to address problems of extreme emotion dysregulation, parasuicidal and suicidal behaviors. DBT was developed by Marsha Linehan in the late 1980’s after other treatment protocols were unsuccessful in decreasing the chronic behaviors of a specific diagnostic group.
DBT is best described as a synthesis of mindfulness, behavioral science, and dialectical philosophy. Together these elements are used to decrease severely dysfunctional behaviors and increase skillful living.
DBT reframes dysfunctional behaviors as part of an individuals learned problem solving. Therapy emphasizes active problem solving techniques, skills training, and validation.
Individual sessions focus on diary card mechanics and homework given throughout the week. Once review of homework is completed, the remaining time is spent on skills training using the four modules.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) offers individuals comprehensive skills to manage painful memories and emotions and decrease conflicts in their relationships. This modality focuses on 4 specific areas of therapeutic skills. These are:
- Mindfulness – Helps individuals be present in the current moment.
- Distress tolerance – Distress tolerance is geared toward increasing a person’s tolerance of negative emotions.
- Emotion regulation – Offers strategies to manage intense emotions that are the root cause of problems in a person’s life.
- Interpersonal effectiveness – These techniques allow an individual to communicate with others in a confident, assertive way that maintains self-respect and strengthens relationships.
Many of us live our daily lives with a constant stream of uncontrollable negative emotions right under our awareness. These emotions affect how we feel about ourselves and how we interact with other people, including friends, romantic partners, and family members.
DBT essentially works with individuals to help them find ways to manage their negative emotions so they can feel balanced, in control, and able to interact respectfully and successfully. The message at the heart of DBT is building a life worth living through a balance of acceptance and change.
In my practice, DBT is utilized with individuals 14 and older. DBT is a wonderful treatment for both adolescents and adults who have difficulty regulating emotions and present with risky behaviors.
If you are interested in exploring DBT therapy, you should look for a therapist with specialized training and experience in DBT strategies.
I am intensively trained in DBT and have utilized DBT in both inpatient and outpatient settings over the past 27 years.
If you believe you may benefit from dialectic behavioral therapy, please get in touch with me. I would be happy to discuss how I may be able to help.