Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT individual psychotherapy is proven effective for individuals struggling with intense or difficult relationships, self-harm, suicidal ideation or previous suicidal attempts, fluctuating self-identity and issues regulating emotions. DBT was initially developed for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, also known as Pervasive Emotional Dysregulation.

DBT individual psychotherapy helps individuals apply skills to ineffective behaviors, emotions, and events in their lives. DBT therapy takes place at least once a week in individual psychotherapy format for skill-based learning, reinforcement of skills, and practice of skills. A key feature of DBT is the 'dialectical' view, we can both accept AND change where we are and how we feel, behave, and think. 

Please note: DBT offered is non-comprehensive. Comprehensive standard DBT includes family group therapy, multi-family groups, parent courses, and weekly or twice weekly group skills lab, in addition to weekly individual DBT psychotherapy. 

Ineffective behaviors are understood as both helpful and maladaptive strategies individuals use to manage intense emotions/pain and cope. There are four core skills taught in DBT to help increase adaptive and more effective problem-solving behaviors:

Mindfulness: create awareness and be in the presently oriented to self

Distress Tolerance: increase skills and ability to tolerate intense/unwanted emotions

Interpersonal Effectiveness: communicate more effectively, respect ones self, and create meaningful, healthy relationships 

Emotion Regulation: manage and change intense/wanted emotions

Adapated from BehavioralTech. Visit BehavioralTech.com for more information. Learn more about DBT clinical research below.