Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral treatment that was initially developed to help individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder. Nowadays, however, it is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. DBT is a structured treatment that focuses on teaching individuals skills to effectively manage their emotions and behaviors, cope with stress, and improve relationships with others. DBT can be learned and practiced during individual and group counseling sessions.
Did You Know?
DBT was developed as a type of cognitive behavioral therapy in the late 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan and colleagues. While there are similarities between traditional CBT and DBT, DBT has additional techniques focused on managing strong emotions and creating healthy relationships that can be particularly helpful.
DBT Therapy FAQs
DBT can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. This type of therapy is effective in treating individuals who struggle with managing strong emotions, self-destructive behaviors, or relationship challenges. To learn more about how DBT can help you, schedule a consultation with our team at Transitions Counseling in Glendale, Chandler, North Phoenix, or South Mountain. Our team is also available for telehealth appointments.
When receiving DBT at Transitions Counseling, you will have a number of sessions and may learn some of the following DBT techniques:
- Core Mindfulness: helps you focus on the present moment, as well as what is happening inside and around you. It also helps with calming negative emotions and preventing negative behaviors.
- Distress Tolerance: helps you accept yourself and the current situation, even in cases where intense emotions are present.
- Interpersonal Communication Skills: helps you learn how to listen and communicate to improve interpersonal relationships.
- Emotional Regulation: helps you learn how to cope with intense, negative emotions in a healthy and productive way.
Your therapist will provide options for practicing skills outside of formal therapy sessions. The specific skills included in your individual treatment plan will vary depending on your needs.
Typically, DBT takes a few weeks to a few months depending on the issues you are addressing and individual factors unique to you. You may have DBT sessions with your therapist or group once or many times a week, depending on your situation. In most cases, each individual DBT session lasts about 45-60 minutes, while group sessions last about 90-180 minutes.
