Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of therapy that is designed to help adults, adolescents and their families cope with dysregulated emotions and behaviors.
DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on teaching individuals skills to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others. It's particularly effective for those dealing with emotional dysregulation, such as in borderline personality disorder, but can also benefit individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and PTSD.
How does DBT Therapy differ from other forms of therapy?
DBT stands out due to its unique focus on the balance between acceptance and change. It combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques for emotion regulation and reality-testing with concepts of distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindful awareness largely derived from Buddhist meditative practice.
What are the core components of DBT Therapy?
DBT includes four core modules: Mindfulness (improving one's ability to accept and be present in the current moment), Emotional Regulation (managing and changing intense emotions that are causing problems in a person’s life), Distress Tolerance (increasing tolerance to negative emotion, rather than trying to escape from it), and Interpersonal Effectiveness (learning to assert one's needs and manage conflicts in relationships).
How long does DBT Therapy typically last?
How long does DBT Therapy typically last?
Can DBT Therapy be done individually, or is it always in a group setting?
DBT can be conducted in both individual and group settings. Individual therapy sessions focus on addressing personal challenges and ensuring the skills are being applied to real-life situations. Group therapy sessions, on the other hand, are typically focused on teaching and practicing the DBT skills in a supportive group environment. Many programs offer a combination of both to maximize the benefits of DBT.
