Dialectical Behavior Therapy (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 dependence, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders.
DBT is effective in reducing suicidal behavior, non-suicidal self-injury, psychiatric hospitalization, treatment dropout, substance use, anger, and depression and improving social and global functioning. DBT focuses on both emotional experiences and rational thinking processes and works to help the client find a balance that makes sense to them. DBT is client focused and therapist and client work together as a team to set targets, identify goals, and work diligently to improve everyday life. DBT focuses on skill development that can be used in daily life and that works to both appreciate and accept emotions as well as help develop skills to tolerate experiences that are uncomfortable or painful.
DBT includes four sets of behavioral skills:
Mindfulness - the practice of being fully aware and present in this one moment
Distress Tolerance - how to tolerate pain in difficult situations, not change it
Emotion Regulation - how to change emotions that you want to change
Interpersonal Effectiveness - how to ask for what you want and say no while maintaining self-respect and relationships with others
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Jill Yates, LPC/LCPC
Jill is a highly-trained professional counselor who is available to discuss your therapy options. Contact her now to find out how to get started.
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