Dialectical Behavior Therapy consultation

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on teaching people skills to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others. Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the 1980s, DBT was originally created to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder, but it has since been adapted to help people with various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

Individuals who benefit from DBT often experience intense emotions, difficulty managing anger, frequent mood swings, and a pattern of unstable relationships. They may also engage in impulsive or self-destructive behaviors, such as self-harm or substance misuse. These symptoms can make daily life challenging and interfere with a person's ability to function effectively.

DBT treatment combines skills training in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Mindfulness helps individuals stay present and fully experience the moment. Distress tolerance provides tools for handling crises without making the situation worse. Emotion regulation teaches strategies to manage intense emotions effectively. Interpersonal effectiveness focuses on improving communication and relationship-building skills. Through a combination of individual therapy sessions and group skills training, DBT helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and build a more fulfilling life.