DBT Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral treatment used to manage negative emotions and risky behaviors. It is primarily designed to treat borderline personality disorder, substance use disorder, and post traumatic post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).
What is DBT Therapy
DBT was originally developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder. However, it has since been adapted to help people with a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance use. DBT focuses on teaching patients skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulations, and interpersonal effectiveness.
The goal of DBT is to help individuals learn how to manage their emotions, improve their relationships, and cope with stress in a healthy way. It is often conducted in both individual therapy sessions and skills training groups to provide a comprehensive approach to treatment.
How does DBT Work?
DBT trains individuals with self-regulations skills needed to manage emotions, relationships, and stress in a health manner. This is done in a handful of ways:
Mindfulness:
Mindfulness is the cornerstone of DBT therapy, offering a trauma informed approach to fostering emotional safety and self-awareness. It emphasizes the importance of being present int he moment, helping individuals build a sense of grounding and control. Rather then pushing individuals to confront emotions abruptly, mindfulness in DBT gently encourages observing thoughts and feelings with curiosity and compassion, free from judgement. These practices enhance emotional awareness by creating a safe space to recognize and understand emotions, empowering individuals to manage intense feelings and reduce impulsive reactions. In a supportive DBT environment, practical mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing, body scans, and mindful eating are introduced at a pace that respects individual needs, fostering both resilience and a sense of calm.
Distress Tolerance:
In DBT, distress tolerance is approached through a trauma informed lens, emphasizing the importance of equipping individuals with tools to navigate distressing situations safely and effectively, without exacerbating their emotional pain. These skills focus on fostering a sense of control and empowerment, helping individuals respond to overwhelming emotions in ways that prioritize their well-being. Strategies such as distraction techniques, self-soothing activities, and improving the moment are introduced gently, ensuring they feel manageable and non-activating. Building distress tolerance is a key component of DBT, providing individuals with the capacity to handle crises without resorting to risky behaviors or impulsivity. By developing these skills, individuals cultivate resilience and adaptability, creating a foundation for healing and long-term emotional stability.
Emotional Regulation:
DBT supports individuals in regulation their emotions through a trauma informed approach, providing practical techniques that foster safety, empowerment, and self0awareness. Participants are gently guided to identify and label emotions, explore their purpose, and express them in ways that feel safe and manageable. Recognizing the impact of trauma on emotional regulation, DBT introduces these skills in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner, helping individuals increase emotional awareness, build resilience against overwhelming emotions, and enhance overall well-being. By cultivating these skills, individuals can naviage their emotions more effectively, improve relationships, make thoughtful decisions, and foster healing and mental health in a way that respects their unique experiences and needs.
DBT Treatment Outcomes
Individuals participating in DBT often experience meaningful improvements in their overall well-being through a trauma informed and compassionate approach. DBT prioritizes emotional safety and empowers individuals to develop emotional regulation skills at a pace that respects their unique experiences. These skills help individuals navigate the challenging situations with greater confidence and healthier coping mechanisms. Additionally, DBT fosters effective communication and conflict resolution, creating a foundation for building trust and forming healthier, more supportive relationship. By addressing the impact of trauma and emphasizing strengths, DBT supports individuals in their journey toward resilience and emotional stability.
Positive Impact
Dialectical Behavior Therapy creates a safe and supportive environment where individuals can experience meaningful improvements in their overall well-being. Through a trauma informed approach, DBT enhances emotions regulations skills, empowering individuals to respond to challenging situations with healthier and more effective coping mechanisms. By prioritizing trust and collaboration, DBT also fosters improved communication and conflict resolution, supporting individuals in building stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
Enhanced Mental Health
DBT supports individuals struggling with emotional regulation by providing them with the tools and skills to help manage stress, control their emotions, and improve relationships.
DBT Skills Training
DBT is highly effecting in addressing a range of mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder (BPD), depression, and anxiety disorders. This trauma informed therapy integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices, providing individuals with compassionate tools to manage symptoms and promote healing. By reducing the intensity of distressing symptoms and improving emotional well-being, DBT supports a holistic recovery journey tailored to each person’s needs.
Long-Term Benefits
One of the most empowering aspects of DBT is its lasting impact. Through consistent practice in a safe and supportive setting, individuals develop resilience and emotional regulations skills that continue to serve them long after therapy concludes. These tools enable individuals to navigate life’s challenges with confidence, fostering sustained growth, healing, and enhanced quality of life.
Kassie Powell-LCSW
Jacqualine Estrada-LPC
Kaitlin Parsons-LCSW