Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Millions of people in the United States live with a mental health condition that affects their functioning. Holistic treatment that includes specialized therapies can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Holistic mental health treatment generally includes talk therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. People with mental health conditions must work closely with licensed mental health professionals. Their doctors and therapists will determine what course of treatment is right for their needs.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of psychotherapy. It is effective at helping people with certain mental health conditions to manage their symptoms.

This article will outline how DBT works and when it may be helpful to treat mental health conditions. You will learn:

• The techniques involved in DBT
• What conditions DBT may help
• What to expect during dialectical behavior therapy
• Where to find DBT in Palm City

If you or someone you love lives with a mental health condition, you are not alone. Comprehensive treatment is available at Palm City Wellness. Contact our specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an appointment.

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy (talk therapy). It is a specialized type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) used to treat certain mental health conditions. The main goal of CBT is to help people recognize and change negative thoughts and behavioral patterns.

DBT uses many of the same techniques as CBT with the addition of other skills. This type of therapy can help people accept themselves more fully. It focuses on helping people to recognize and change destructive behaviors, including self-harm and substance use.

Mental health practitioners began implementing DBT techniques in the 1970s. They found that using DBT helped people with certain mental health conditions develop better emotional regulation skills.

What Conditions Can DBT Treat?

Research has found that dialectical behavior therapy can be effective in helping people with a range of mental health conditions. Some of the conditions that respond well to DBT skills training include:

• Anxiety
• Substance use disorder (SUD)
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Self-harm
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Eating disorders
• Suicidal behavior

Mental health practitioners use DBT skills training most often to treat people with borderline personality disorder. However, this evidence-based therapy can help anyone develop better interpersonal effectiveness and coping skills.

Common DBT Techniques

Mental health practitioners can use dialectical behavior therapy in a range of settings. People may participate in DBT during inpatient mental health treatment, in a clinical setting, in private practice, and more.

DBT focuses on helping people develop skills that support healthier behaviors and relationships. Here is an overview of some of the skills people learn during therapy sessions.

Distress tolerance

One of the most critical aspects of DBT includes learning to tolerate discomfort and stress. Improving your ability to manage intense emotions and discomfort can reduce the risk of impulsive behaviors.

Throughout DBT sessions, people learn skills to help them avoid reacting impulsively to emotional discomfort. This can reduce the risk of self-harm, substance abuse, and other destructive behaviors.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a crucial DBT skill. Throughout DBT sessions, people learn skills to stay grounded in the current moment. They learn to focus on what is happening in the present instead of worrying about the past or regretting the past.

Mindfulness exercises might include:

• Meditation
• Breathing exercises
• Observing thoughts and feelings without judgment
• Focusing on an internal or external event, such as breathing or a mantra

Practicing mindfulness can increase a person’s self-awareness. It can reduce stress and increase tolerance to emotional discomfort.

Emotional regulation skills

Dialectical behavioral therapy focuses on helping people become more aware of their emotions. Through guided exercises and specialized techniques, people learn to recognize their feelings.

In DBT, people learn how to manage stress instead of avoiding challenges. They work to replace negative thoughts with more helpful ones. Identifying emotions can help people manage them and avoid reacting impulsively.

Interpersonal effectiveness

One of the most significant goals of DBT is to help people have healthier relationships. During DBT sessions, people develop skills to help them have better relationships. These skills may include:

• Managing conflicts in healthy ways
• Clear communication of wants and needs
• Setting boundaries

Improving these skills can help people get along with others and have better relationships in all areas of their lives. This can lead to less stress, more contentment, and better quality of life.

Dialectical behavior therapy helps people get to know themselves more deeply. People learn to accept their feelings without judgment. They work with a licensed mental health therapist to identify and change harmful or destructive behaviors.

Find Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Palm City

If you or someone in your life may benefit from dialectical behavior therapy, reach out to the Palm City Wellness specialists to explore our holistic treatment programs. Contact us with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.