How We Treat
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Test Page
Are you looking for help dealing with intense emotions and improving how you relate to others? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can be a powerful tool to help you develop new skills and gain an understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
DBT Therapy, a treatment backed by decades of scientific research, helps clients regulate intense emotions—teaching them how to manage and curb negative feelings, increase positive experiences, and live in the moment.
DBT is designed to be a relatively short-term treatment that provides a structured path forward by relying on four core elements: weekly individual therapy, weekly skills training group, phone coaching in between sessions, and weekly participation by therapists in a peer consultation team that helps them hone their skills. The structured approach differs dramatically from traditional “talk therapy,” which typically involves open-ended discussions that can vary in focus from session to session depending on whatever is top of mind for the client.
While DBT originated as a treatment for chronically suicidal individuals, it has evolved so that anyone who wants to have a different relationship with their emotional experience can benefit from DBT therapy and the skills it fosters. The treatment can help individuals who are struggling with loneliness, anxiety, emptiness, destructive impulses, depression, conflict in relationships, absence of flexibility, extreme emotional swings, and trouble tolerating stress or change. Some of the more complex health issues that DBT is designed to address include borderline personality disorder, self-harming behavior, major depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders. However, most people can benefit from some portions of the treatment (see Emotion Fitness Program, EFT).
A Properly Trained DBT Therapist Will:
- Change your relationship with your emotions, not push you to get rid of them
- Help clients regulate intense emotions by teaching mindfulness techniques
- Collaborate to find alternatives to ineffective behavior, not just provide an outlet to vent
- Work with clients on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills
- Set an agenda for every session based on your “diary card,” not press forward without a clear structure
- Continuously monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed based on individual needs
- Identify what prompts unwanted feelings and patterns, not judge them
Note: Many therapists use the DBT label even when they have limited training and/or use only portions of the treatment. Each therapist on our team has far exceeded the requisite number of training and clinical hours required, and we maintain ongoing training and development for our entire team.
At the Counseling Center Group, we adhere to DBT treatment as Dr. Marsha M. Linehan developed it. We are committed to providing DBT Therapy adherently, in the way that research has supported it to be effective for both individuals and groups alike.
Who Can Benefit from DBT?
DBT therapy can significantly benefit various individuals, especially in these cases:
- Borderline Personality Disorder: Central in DBT’s development, addressing issues like emotional instability and interpersonal problems.
- Mood Disorders: Including depression and bipolar disorder, helping to manage intense emotional swings.
- PTSD: Providing tools to cope with and recover from trauma-related symptoms.
- Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse: Aiding in overcoming harmful behaviors and developing healthier coping mechanisms.
- Emotional Regulation: Assisting those who experience extreme emotional responses or engage in self-destructive behavior.
Advantages of DBT Therapy
- Enhanced Emotional Regulation: DBT Therapy helps individuals gain control over intense emotions, reducing impulsivity and mood swings.
- Improved Relationship Skills: Teaches effective communication and conflict resolution skills to foster healthier relationships.
- Stress Reduction: Incorporates mindfulness practices that aid in managing stress and enhancing overall well-being.
- Decrease in Self-Destructive Behaviors: Targets behaviors such as self-harm and substance abuse, encouraging more adaptive coping mechanisms.
- Life Skills Development: Provides patients with practical skills in areas like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
DBT Programs in Maryland & New York
Our experienced, licensed therapists are highly trained in DBT, providing compassionate and expert care with the goal of helping restore balance to your life.
At Counseling Center Group, we recognize the importance of having an experienced therapist who is committed to your success in achieving lasting results from your treatment program. We offer comprehensive treatments based on our professional experience & scientific research that are tailored to meet your unique needs. We are dedicated to providing a safe environment where you can explore new ways of understanding yourself & work towards achieving positive outcomes in your life moving forward. Whether through DBT therapies such as Individual Therapy, Group Skills Training, Telephone Coaching, video therapy sessions & more, your journey to success starts with us! See below for all our locations.
DBT FAQ's
The practice of DBT therapy is structured around four key skill modules: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Through DBT therapy, clients develop greater self-awareness, adaptive coping mechanisms for stress, enhanced communication skills for relationships, and the ability to enact behavioral changes.
DBT therapy also incorporates fundamental principles to guide sessions, emphasizing the validation of client experiences, fostering therapist-client collaboration, and employing behavioral techniques like reinforcement. These principles support goal setting that extends beyond mere symptom reduction, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and recognizing potential for growth. DBT therapy sessions stress the importance of self-care and encourage practicing the skills learned outside of sessions to aid in recovery and provide support during challenging situations.
Studies have indeed been conducted to assess the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as a treatment for various mental health issues. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2015 and conducted by researchers at Oxford University, for example, concluded that DBT therapy was an effective intervention for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Other research has found DBT to be successful in decreasing symptoms of depression, improving social functioning, and assisting with anger management.
Multiple studies have also suggested that DBT therapy can reduce self-harm behaviors among those with BPD and reduce anxiety symptoms among participants suffering from a generalized anxiety disorder. Additionally, numerous reviews have pointed out that when compared to other therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), there is evidence suggesting that DBT may be slightly more effective than CBT in reducing symptoms related to BPD. The efficacy of DBT therapy has also been supported through randomized controlled trials, indicating the long-term benefits associated with this type of therapy over time.
Specifically, these studies suggest that individuals who undergo at least one year of treatment experience more significant improvements in overall psychological functioning compared to those who receive shorter periods of treatment or no treatment at all. Lastly, the results from the various research studies conducted on DBT support its potential use as an effective therapeutic intervention for a wide range of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety disorders.
One of the key advantages of DBT therapy is its focus on teaching essential skills, such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills help individuals better manage their emotions, navigate difficult situations, and improve their relationships.
Another significant benefit of DBT therapy is its emphasis on validation and acceptance. Therapists using DBT provide nonjudgmental support and validation, creating a safe and empathetic environment for clients to explore their emotions and experiences.
This validation can be particularly powerful for individuals who have struggled with self-acceptance and self-esteem issues. Overall, DBT’s skill-building and validation components make it a valuable therapeutic approach for those seeking to enhance their emotional well-being and lead more fulfilling lives.
People who should consider DBT therapy often exhibit symptoms such as intense mood swings, self-harming behaviors, suicidal thoughts, and unstable relationships.
DBT is particularly beneficial for individuals who have not responded well to other forms of therapy or have experienced relapses in their mental health conditions. It offers a structured and skills-based approach that equips individuals with practical tools to cope with emotional turmoil and build healthier interpersonal relationships. Additionally, those who struggle with chronic feelings of emptiness, identity issues, and difficulties in regulating their emotions may find DBT therapy especially helpful in addressing these challenges and improving their overall quality of life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are both widely used therapeutic approaches, but they have distinct differences in their focus and techniques. CBT primarily centers on identifying and challenging irrational or negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to emotional distress and behavioral issues. It helps individuals develop more adaptive thoughts and behaviors through cognitive restructuring. CBT is versatile and effective for a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and phobias, making it a go-to choice for many therapists.
On the other hand, DBT was originally developed to address Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. DBT incorporates validation and acceptance techniques, creating a nonjudgmental therapeutic environment. It is particularly suited for individuals who struggle with intense emotions, impulsivity, self-harm, and unstable relationships. DBT’s emphasis on teaching specific skills for managing emotions and navigating difficult situations sets it apart from CBT, making it especially useful for those with complex emotional challenges.
DBT therapy can be conducted online or in person, offering flexibility to meet each individuals’ needs. Online DBT therapy provides comprehensive access to therapy, including individual sessions and group skills training, making it a practical option for those unable to attend in person. The choice between online and in-person DBT therapy depends on personal circumstances and preferences.
DBT therapy addresses self-harm and suicidal behaviors through a targeted approach that includes:
- Validation: Recognizing and acknowledging the person’s feelings and experiences without judgment, helping to build trust and understanding.
- Skill Development: Teaching and practicing skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to manage intense emotions and reduce urges to self-harm or engage in suicidal behaviors.
- Behavioral Analysis: Examining the events and thoughts leading up to self-harm or suicidal incidents to understand and interrupt these patterns.
- Crisis Intervention: Providing strategies for effectively managing and surviving crisis situations without resorting to self-harm or suicidal actions.
DBT therapy emphasizes creating a life worth living as a fundamental goal, helping individuals develop coping mechanisms that promote safety, stability, and well-being.
Phone coaching in DBT therapy offers real-time support for clients to apply learned skills during crises or challenges outside therapy sessions. It’s a brief, focused interaction that reinforces skill use in everyday situations, enhancing the client’s ability to cope effectively and independently.
Some common misconceptions about DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) include:
It’s only for borderline personality disorder (BPD): While DBT was initially developed for BPD, it’s effective for a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
DBT is just a type of CBT: Though DBT is rooted in cognitive-behavioral principles, it uniquely incorporates mindfulness and dialectical strategies, focusing on acceptance and change.
DBT is all about group therapy: While group skills training is a core component, DBT also includes individual therapy, phone coaching, and consultation teams for therapists.
DBT therapy takes too long: The length of DBT can vary based on individual needs; some people may see significant improvements in a relatively short period.
DBT is only for adults: DBT has been adapted for different age groups, including adolescents, with specialized programs addressing their unique needs.