Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help adults, adolescents and their families cope more effectively with “emotion dysregulation,” and a combination of some of the following symptoms:
- Impulsivity
- Intentional self-injury
- Struggles with identity and sense of self
- Suicidal thoughts
- Anxiety, depression, anger
- Difficult relationships and family conflicts
The goals of DBT:
- Manage your emotions so they don’t manage you
- Enhance relationships: Improve your communication skills with friends and family
- Tolerate distress so that you can cope without making the situation worse
- Practice mindfulness: Enhance awareness of the present moment to give you more choices and control in your life
- Build the kind of life you want for the future
The DBT approach works well with clients who struggle with “emotional dysregulation”, are vulnerable to mood shifts and have trouble managing their emotions. Ongoing emotion dysregulation often negatively impacts people’s relationships at home, at work and at school. In addition, it can interfere with one’s ability to cope with stressful situations and make wise decisions. DBT treatment focuses on helping clients enhance their ability to cope with painful emotions and events, to communicate more effectively and to build the life they’ve always wanted.