DBT Therapy
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based treatment that can help address a wide range of mental health concerns. As an action-oriented intervention, DBT teaches skills in four main areas: distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.
Who Can Benefit From Using DBT?
Though Dr. Marsha Linehan originally developed it in the 1980s as a treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has been studied extensively and used as an effective approach for more generalized issues. As such, DBT can be particularly effective in the treatment of:
ADHD
Impulse control
Anxiety
Addiction and substance abuse
Depression
Relationship issues
By teaching clients how to better manage discomfort and distress, DBT allows people to develop an effective toolkit in order to actively gain a sense of control over their emotions, behaviors, and stress response.
How Does DBT Work?
The four core tenets of Dialectical Behavior Therapy—interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and emotion regulation—are the framework from which this approach operates. Through these tenets, the dialectical nature of DBT is introduced, in which the existence of opposites is acknowledged. For instance, the idea that we are doing our best and changing for the better is a central dialectic in treatment.
In addition to dialectical concepts, DBT uses what are known as diary cards to help clients track their progress throughout treatment. These cards are not journal entries but rather serve as data trackers to monitor progress in emotions and behaviors. Diary cards assist in demonstrating to clients that sustained change is possible with time, practice, and commitment.
Depending on each client’s presenting concerns, a DBT therapist and their client collaborate on choosing a skill set to focus on in each session. As tools are integrated and practiced in daily life, clients using DBT are likely to notice a significant reduction in impulsivity, anxiety, and panic, while observing an increase in focus and executive function. Eventually, a higher tolerance for distressing thoughts and feelings is achieved, thereby decreasing triggers and enhancing a sense of calm and control.
What Makes DBT Different From Other Kinds Of Therapy?
Unlike many therapies that are purely theoretical, DBT is actionable. Instead of being vague, ambiguous, or overly general in its approach, DBT teaches practical, applicable skills that can be used in everyday settings and situations.
Furthermore, this method makes space for contrasting ideas (for instance, being happy and sad at the same time). Acknowledging the complexity and sometimes conflict inherent in the wide range of human emotions, DBT’s main objective is not simply reframing uncomfortable or negative thoughts; it encourages acceptance and change through learning new skills, ultimately paving the way for less self-criticism, more satisfaction, and personal growth.
DBT Through PRGRS Therapy
At our practice, DBT is almost always used when treating ADHD, addiction, anxiety, and communication (interpersonal) issues. More often than not, the challenges that bring clients to therapy—including procrastination, anxious thinking, and emotional distress—can be viewed through a dialectical framework. Skills building is an essential aspect of our approach, and it’s likely that all of our clients, regardless of presenting concerns, will be taught DBT skills at some point in the treatment process.
Alongside DBT, we are likely to draw from a tailored blend of therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
A handful of the PRGRS Therapy clinicians have been trained through Behavioral Tech, one of the nation’s leading DBT training centers. That said, our therapists are more DBT-informed than they are DBT absolutists. We do not offer a traditional DBT program at PRGRS (typically involving group therapy and coaching), and we will refer out for clients in crisis or those seeking BPD treatment when necessary.
DBT May Be The Answer To Your Mental Health Concerns
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an effective approach that can lead you to a more stable, productive life. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, ADHD, addiction, or relationship conflict, DBT can offer you lifelong skills for managing stress and reducing self-destructive behaviors.
To find out more about our DBT therapists, contact us.
