Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Otherwise known as DBT, this form of therapy is most effective for those looking to improve their quality of life by increasing effective coping skills, improving emotional regulation and interpersonal connection, and integrating mindfulness. DBT is most commonly used with individuals experiencing significant emotional challenges and looking for ways to find more balance in their life and their relationships.
As a "cousin" of CBT, DBT builds off cognitive principles and expands therapy to focus on identifying effective ways to manage strong emotions while creating meaningful relationships.
DBT typically focuses on these areas:
- Distress Tolerance: Your DBT therapist will help you find ways to manage challenging emotions. Learning to "tolerate" distressing emotions without letting them take over your actions is one of the first steps towards taking ownership of your life and reaching your goals.
- Interpersonal Skills: Relationships, friendships, and all forms of connection are integral to mental and physical health. DBT therapy will take time to focus on creating and sustaining healthy, balanced relationships while navigating how to end destructive ones.
- Emotional Regulation: Learning how to manage change in life and with emotions is a necessary step towards solving problems. Regulating emotions is a journey in which a counselor who specializes in DBT will explore skills and strategies to decrease conflict while increasing well-being.
A DBT approach takes into account these factors while also encouraging you to be mindful and non-judgemental in achieving your goals and living a most fulfilled life. You may be interested in this form of therapy if you find yourself having difficulty managing strong emotions and building healthy relationships.