Dialectical Behavior Therapy

(DBT)

What is DBT?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based 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 use disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. As such, DBT is a transdiagnostic, modular treatment.

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Acceptance and change.

The term “dialectical” means a synthesis or integration of opposites. The primary dialectic within DBT is between the seemingly opposite strategies of acceptance and change. For example, DBT therapists accept clients as they are while also acknowledging that they need to change to reach their goals. In addition, the skills and strategies taught in DBT are balanced in terms of acceptance and change.

The four skills modules include two sets of acceptance-oriented skills (mindfulness and distress tolerance) and two sets of change-oriented skills (emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness).

Reference: https://depts.washington.edu/uwbrtc/about-us/dialectical-behavior-therapy/

The Core Practices of DBT

Emotion Regulation

The practice of decreasing your vulnerability to painful emotions and learning how to change emotions you want to change.

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Mindfulness

The practice of being fully aware and present in this one moment non-judgmentally.

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Distress Tolerance

The practice of being able to tolerate pain in during hard times even when the situation has not changed.

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Interpersonal Effectiveness

The practice of asking for what you want, and saying no while maintaining self-respect and relationships with others.

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DBT Services

  • Individual DBT Therapy

    One-on-one therapy, personalized to your specific DBT goals. Online or virtual. Attending a DBT Skills Group is clinically indicated.

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