What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help individuals develop skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT is particularly effective for individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-harm behaviors, suicidal thoughts, borderline personality disorder, and other mood disorders.
The four modes of DBT:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) consists of four modes, each designed to address different aspects of an individual's experience and challenges. These modes are integrated to provide a comprehensive and effective treatment approach.
Individual Therapy:
In individual therapy sessions, clients work one-on-one with a therapist. These sessions focus on specific issues the individual is facing, helping them apply DBT skills to real-life situations. The therapist provides guidance, support, and feedback, helping the individual build skills and work through challenges.
Group Skills Training:
DBT includes structured group therapy sessions where individuals learn and practice skills together. These sessions are typically conducted weekly and cover the four skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Group skills training provides a supportive environment for learning and applying new coping strategies.
Phone Coaching:
Phone coaching is an essential component of DBT. Clients are encouraged to reach out to their therapists between sessions for brief phone consultations when they are in crisis or need immediate support. This real-time assistance helps individuals apply their skills in challenging situations, promoting better emotional regulation and crisis management.
Consultation Team:
Therapists providing DBT participate in a consultation team. This is a meeting where therapists gather to support each other in their work with DBT clients. The team helps therapists stay motivated, adhere to the DBT principles, and address any challenges they may face in their practice. Consultation teams are crucial for therapist support and maintaining the fidelity of the therapy model.
The combination of individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultation ensures that clients receive comprehensive care, learn essential skills, and have access to immediate support when needed. This multifaceted approach is what makes DBT a highly effective treatment for individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-harm behaviors, and other complex mental health issues.
DBT can help with:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Self-Harm and Suicidal Behavior
- Eating Disorders (Bulimia, Binge Eating)
- Mood Disorders (Depression and Bipolar Disorder)
- Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Substance Use Disorders
- Anger Management Issues
- ADHD and Anxiety disorders
Learn more about the research support for DBT and the diagnoses it treats.
Learn more about DBT certifications.
All of our treatment providers are either DBT certified or currently in the process of becoming DBT certified.
To learn more about DBT and if this is a fit for you, schedule a consult call with our clinic.
