Dialectical Behavior Therapy

What is DBT and what’s so great about it?

DBT is a highly effective form of therapy that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. It is specifically designed to help individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and interpersonal difficulties. DBT equips clients with essential skills to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and build a life worth living.

Through weekly individual therapy sessions, skills training groups, phone coaching, and therapist consultation teams, clients receive comprehensive support and guidance in applying DBT skills to their daily lives. DBT has been proven to reduce self-harming behaviors, decrease suicidal ideation, and enhance overall quality of life for those who diligently engage in the treatment process.

If you or someone you know is struggling with overwhelming emotions, DBT may be the key to developing healthier coping mechanisms and creating lasting change.

“All people, at any given moment, are doing the best they can.”
— Marsha Linehan

What kind of skills will I learn?

You will learn skills from four fundamental modules: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. These elements are carefully designed to address specific skills that contribute to the improvement of emotional well-being and overall mental health.

  • The MINDFULNESS module of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on developing the skill of being fully present and engaged in the moment. Through mindfulness practice, individuals learn to observe their thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment. By increasing awareness of the present moment, individuals can cultivate a sense of control and reduce reactivity. Mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, body scans, and meditation are taught to enhance one's ability to tolerate distress and regulate emotions effectively. Practicing mindfulness regularly can help individuals build resilience, improve concentration, and foster a greater sense of well-being.

  • The DISTRESS TOLERANCE module focuses on helping individuals develop skills to cope with crises and overwhelming emotions without making impulsive or harmful decisions. Clients learn techniques such as distraction, self-soothing, improving the moment, and thinking of pros and cons before taking action. By practicing these skills, individuals can increase their ability to tolerate distress without resorting to maladaptive behaviors. The ultimate goal is for clients to build a greater sense of emotional resilience and develop healthier ways of managing intense emotions.

  • The EMOTION REGULATION module aims to help individuals identify and manage intense emotions in a healthy manner. Clients learn to recognize different emotions and the factors contributing to their intensity. By developing skills such as emotion labeling, opposite action, and problem-solving, individuals can effectively regulate their emotions and reduce impulsive reactions. Through practicing mindfulness and distress tolerance techniques, clients gain the ability to tolerate distressing emotions without becoming overwhelmed. Overall, the emotion regulation module empowers individuals to navigate their emotions skillfully and enhance their emotional well-being.

  • The INTERPERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS module focuses on developing skills to navigate relationships effectively, set boundaries, communicate assertively, and balance priorities. The goal is to help individuals build healthier and more fulfilling relationships while also practicing self-respect and maintaining emotional regulation. The interpersonal effectiveness module in DBT equips clients with tools to enhance their communication skills, manage conflict constructively, and cultivate more rewarding interactions with others. Through targeted interventions and role-playing exercises, clients learn how to advocate for their needs, strengthen relationships, and ultimately improve their quality of life.