Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is an evidence-based treatment approach which helps those who have difficulty controlling their emotions and behaviors. Research indicates that DBT is the most effective treatment for teenagers and adults who struggle with high-risk behaviors, impulse control, emotional dysregulation, mood-dependent behaviors, relationship instability, and difficulty with change. In DBT treatment, therapists and patients work collaboratively to decrease problem behaviors and replace them with skillful behaviors to cope with distress in their environments, navigate relationships effectively, and bring increased awareness and presence to their lives.
DBT is a structured treatment modality which provides skills training in the following areas: Mindfulness Practice, Emotion Regulation Skills, Distress Tolerance Skills, Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills, and Parent/Family Coaching (for adolescent patients.) Patients who receive DBT treatment are encouraged to commit to two – 45 minute individual sessions per week, in order to provide the optimal amount of time for skills training and the ability to engage in the therapeutic process with their therapists. The therapist will provide skills training materials and psycho-education in addition to assigning skills practices to be completed in between sessions.
DBT is highly effective for the following:
- Self-harm
- Impulse Control
- Emotional Dysregulation
- Interpersonal Conflicts
- Eating Disorders
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Mood Instability
- Trauma