Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Changing Behaviors, Changing Lives
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy tries to identify and change negative thinking patterns and pushes for positive behavioral changes. DBT may be used to treat suicidal and other self-destructive behaviors.
In Dialectical Behavior Therapy a therapist leads sessions with a structured approach designed to address both individual needs and skill development. Sessions are tailored to individual needs, but often include behavioral analysis, skills training and skill application, experience validation and change strategy introduction, and problem solving techniques.
When to Use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Those experiencing intense emotional and behavioral challenges, including people suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), have benefited from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. It is also effective for addressing issues such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse. The client and the medical professional will work one to one to help the patient learn skills such as:
- Acceptance of situations
- Change-oriented strategies
- Emotions regulation
- Distress tolerance
- Interpersonal effectiveness
