There are many different types of therapy. With so many kinds of diagnosis and conditions, there is a need for these different kinds of therapies. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive therapy and provides clients with new skills on how to manage painful emotions and minimize conflict in their relationships. DBT focuses on mindfulness, dealing with stress, regulate emotions, and healthy communication with others.

When to Use

Originally used as therapy for patients with borderline personality disorder, it is now used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, PTSD, and substance abuse. For patients that are struggling with self-destructive behavior, DBT can help improve their ability to regulate their emotions. Patients will be able to tolerate distress and negative emotions, become more aware of the present moment and effectively communicate with others.

How it Works

Patients working with DBT treatment must learn how to focus on the present, tolerate a crisis, assert themselves in a positive relationship, and recognizing negative emotions while also knowing how to cope with them. When implementing DBT treatment, patients typically will go through individual therapy sessions as well as DBT skills groups.

In the individual therapy sessions, patients will talk one-on-one with their therapist to keep them motivated, ensure their DBT skills are being used in their daily lives, and help them through any challenges they may face during the treatment. In DBT skills groups, they’re able to find support from others and share their own experiences. Groups meet weekly or monthly to learn new skills and participate in exercises. The therapy sessions are to make sure all of their therapeutic needs are being met and that the DBT treatment is working to improve their daily lives.

DBT Therapists

In order for DBT to have a positive effect on the patients, the therapist running the treatment has to be qualified. Knowledge on the subject is not the only factor that will make a therapist qualified, they must also practice the skills of DBT themselves. It is also imperative for therapists to understand the basics of behavior therapy techniques and DBT treatment strategies. When a patient seeking DBT treatment, it’s important to find a therapist with specialized training and extensive experience in DBT.

DBT has been proven to be very effective among patients with self-destructive behavior. Once patients are able to find a therapist they feel comfortable with and make a commitment to their therapy, DBT has been shown to improve their relationships, communication, and emotional state.