Dialectical behavior therapy, often referred to simply as DBT, is a unique approach to counseling that is focused on helping people learn skills and develop strategies to help them navigate even the most challenging life situations. In this blog, we’ll go through everything you need to know about DBT. If you’re interested in learning more about this approach to therapy, keep reading or use our online contact form to reach out to the Cedar Counseling & Wellness team today.
What Is DBT?
DBT was an approach to therapy that was originally developed to help those who were diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This personality disorder had previously been considered extremely treatment resistant. Thanks to DBT, those who struggle with BPD often learn to manage the complex effects of this personality disorder and lead thriving lives. The goal of DBT is to provide a structured therapy tool that helps individuals learn new life skills as well as offering a safe space to practice these skills before transitioning them into daily life. DBT supports numerous therapy goals, including improved communication, self-awareness, self-advocacy, and resilience.
Who Benefits from DBT?
This therapy approach is still beneficial for those with BPD, but it has also been used for other personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and mood disorders (anxiety, depression, etc.). Some of the specific symptoms that DBT has proven beneficial in addressing include:
- Addiction
- Disordered eating
- Self-harm
- Suicidal ideation
- Crisis management
- Overwhelming or intense emotions
How Does DBT Work?
DBT is typically completed through a combination of individual therapy and group therapy sessions, but the approach can be adjusted to meet the needs of individuals. At its center are four modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. By learning these key skills, our clients are better able to cope with difficult situations, overwhelming emotions, tough transitions, and other life struggles. The skills developed through each of the four DBT modules include:
- Mindfulness – this may be the central component of DBT. It helps people develop the ability to stay in the present moment through awareness of their direct surroundings and increased ability to allow their thoughts and emotions to exist with acceptance rather than judgement or repression. Mindfulness practice may include intentional breathing, mindfulness walks, and meditation.
- Distress tolerance – in the mindfulness module, individuals learn to accept emotions as they arise in the moment. In the distress tolerance module, individuals focus on learning to tolerate painful and distressing emotions that arise related to events that are outside of their control. The goal is to help make working through a crisis safer and more comfortable.
- Emotion regulation – closely related to distress tolerance, emotion regulation teaches the individual to manage intense emotional responses, so they can regain control over the parts of distressing situations that are within their power. This helps them to create a greater sense of stability and peace.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness – while the first three modules of DBT are about learning what is and is not within the person’s immediate control and changing responses that are unhelpful, unhealthy, or unsafe, this final module is about improving communication and interactions with other people. It explores topics like appropriate ways bonding with others and the need for healthy boundaries.
Can I Get Started with DBT?
If you’re interested in trying DBT for yourself, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Cedar Counseling & Wellness team over the phone at (443) 924-6344 or via email at info@cedarcounselingandwellness.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
