Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive type of psychotherapy that was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, DBT has also been shown to be effective in treating other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
DBT is based on the idea that people with mental health disorders often experience intense emotions and engage in self-destructive behaviors. DBT helps people develop the skills they need to manage their emotions, cope with distress, and improve their relationships. It is a therapeutic practice of helping patients find balance between two opposing concepts.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that combines elements of traditional CBT with mindfulness practices. DBT is typically delivered in a group setting, but individual therapy sessions are also available.
How Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy Work?
DBT helps people to develop four core skills:
- Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment without judgment. DBT teaches people how to use mindfulness to become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
- Distress Tolerance: Distress tolerance skills help people cope with difficult emotions and situations. These skills include self-soothing techniques, distraction techniques, and acceptance techniques.
- Emotion Regulation: Emotion regulation skills help people identify, understand and manage their emotions. These skills include identifying emotions, labeling emotions, and expressing emotions in a healthy way.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Interpersonal effectiveness skills help people improve their relationships. These skills include communicating assertively, setting boundaries, and resolving conflict.
Benefits of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
DBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. Studies have shown that DBT can help people to:
- Reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Reduce self-harm behaviors
- Improve relationships
- Reduce depression symptoms
- Reduce anxiety symptoms
- Improve quality of life
- Develop a greater sense of self-compassion
- Increase their self-esteem
- Improve their problem-solving skills
- Develop a more positive outlook on life
Who Can Benefit from Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
DBT is a comprehensive treatment that can be beneficial for people of all ages and backgrounds. DBT is particularly helpful for people who have difficulty managing their emotions, who engage in self-destructive behaviors, and who have difficulty with relationships.
Get In Touch Today
If you are interested in learning more about DBT, please contact Integrated Healing Centers, located in Washington, Utah. Our experienced therapists can provide you with more information about DBT and how it can help you.