Dialectical Behavior Therapy
(DBT)
What is DBT?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a cognitive behavioral treatment that was originally developed to treat chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and it is now recognized as the gold standard psychological treatment for this population. In addition, research has shown that it is effective in treating a wide range of other disorders such as substance use disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. As such, DBT is a transdiagnostic, modular treatment.
Acceptance and change
The term “dialectical” means a synthesis or integration of opposites. The primary dialectic within DBT is between the seemingly opposite strategies of acceptance and change. For example, DBT therapists accept clients as they are while also acknowledging that they need to change to reach their goals. In addition, the skills and strategies taught in DBT are balanced in terms of acceptance and change.
The four skills modules include two sets of acceptance-oriented skills (mindfulness and distress tolerance) and two sets of change-oriented skills (emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness).
Reference: https://depts.washington.edu/uwbrtc/about-us/dialectical-behavior-therapy/
Mindfulness:
The practice of being fully aware and present in this one moment.
Emotion Regulation:
Decrease vulnerability to painful emotions and change emotions you want to change.
Distress Tolerance:
How to tolerate pain in difficult situations and not change it.
Interpersonal Effectiveness:
Ask for what you want and say no while maintaining self-respect and relationships with others.
DBT Services
-
DBT Skills Group
Four modules over six months. A comprehensive approach to learning DBT skills in a supportive setting. Offered online on Mondays 6-7:30pm.
-
Individual DBT Therapy
One-on-one therapy paired with DBT Skills Group. Personalized to your specific DBT goals. Online or virtual.