How and Why does DBT Therapy Work?

What is DBT?

DBT stands for Dialectical Behavior Therapy. It is an evidence-based treatment used for a variety of issues including impulse control, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, and more. It was originally developed by Marsha Linehan, PhD in the 1980’s to treat Borderline Personality Disorder. However, since this time, it has shown to be effective for many more issues. DBT is also one of the mainline treatments we use at PRGRS Therapy. Read more about DBT here. The question people often ask is, “why is DBT more effective than other forms of therapy?” Let me explain.

Why does DBT work so well?

The simple answer is because DBT is skill based. In addition to being theoretical, DBT does a tremendous job of taking an abstract concept, like mindfulness, and distilling it down to a teachable skill. In other words, DBT Therapy is practical.

Lets go a bit deeper

The Theoretical Foundations of DBT

DBT operates on the main principle of acceptance and change. In other words, DBT Therapy helps folks to accept reality as it stands today, while also working towards improvement. For example, a client may be anxious today, which we must acknowledge and come to terms with (acceptance), but this is the first step to being able to mange the anxiety tomorrow (change).

Furthermore, DBT operates on the understanding that people have a logical mind, an emotional mind, and a wise mind. The logical mind is based on facts and reason. For example, if it’s hot outside, I will wear shorts. There is no emotion involved in this thought process. The emotional mind is based on feelings. For example, I love my friend, so I am going to invite them to dinner with me. DBT claims that if we lean to heavily into emotion mind and make all our decisions based on logic, we can run into problems. Similarly, if all our decisions are emotion based, we also run into problems. DBT helps clients blend both the logic mind and emotion mind together to form the “Wise Mind”. Most of the skills in DBT are geared toward helping people develop their “Wise Mind”.

DBT is Actionable

As I mentioned above, DBT is largely skills based. In other words, clients are provided with handouts and homework outlining skills that they can practice outside of sessions. Everything in DBT is based around the four main tenants. Within each of the four main tenants are dozens of skills and tools.

The four main tenants are as follows:

Mindfulness

These skills and tools are all about being present in the “here and now”. It’s about reducing distractions and appreciating the moment.

Emotion Regulation

These skills and tools are all about learning to maintain a stable mood.

Distress Tolerance

These skills and tools are all about tolerating distressing circumstances and/or emotions.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

These skills and tools are about cultivating healthy relationships, setting boundaries, and improving communication.

Ready to Give DBT a Try?

DBT helps many, many people. Contact us today for your free 15 minute consultation to learn more about how DBT can help you.