What is DBT Therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (called “DBT”) is a type of psychotherapy that was initially developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. DBT was first created to specifically help individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well as those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Borderline personality disorder is an emotion dysregulation condition that can sometimes develop as a result of traumatic or other extremely distressing life events. Although DBT is directly helpful in treating that diagnosis, it was also found to be beneficial for other concerns. Specifically, research has demonstrated that DBT – Dialectical Behavior Therapy can be effective for self-harm, substance abuse, impulsive judgment, managing emotions, and navigating volatile relationship patterns. DBT has origins within the philosophical idea of “dialectics.” This is the principle that opposite positions can each have truth and meaning. Dialectics help us see the grey areas and accept that multiple points of view can be valuable and interconnected. For example, one of the primary dialectics utilized in DBT is the idea of acceptance versus change. DBT teaches that we can both accept and love who we are while still seeking to make changes and improvements. Ultimately, DBT aims to help improve one’s motivation to make changes, as well as to provide coping skills and strategies that can eventually be generalized and used when under immense stress.
Regardless of the formality, Dialectical Behavior Therapy treatment generally involves structure and multiple stages. First, a client’s needs are prioritized based upon the most pressing and risky concerns. Suicidal behaviors or intense suicidal urges are addressed first, followed by self-injury or substance abuse. These difficulties are assessed and prioritized on a session-by-session basis before moving on to other skills and techniques. If these risks are not present, therapy is then focused on any struggles that could be getting in the way of one’s quality of life or ability to effectively engage in the Dialectical Behavior Therapy education. This is where the DBT skills are introduced. There are a variety of structured skills that target four different areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills. Mindfulness skills help to remain present, responsive, and expose ourselves to being with our emotions. These skills can decrease impulsive behavior and increase our ability to feel connected to our experiences. Distress tolerance skills are in place to make better decisions when feeling overwhelmed. For example, these skills can help decrease suicidal urges or other harmful urges. Emotion regulation skills provide a better understanding of how our feelings function and skills are geared towards helping to navigate our wants and needs in various relationships. These skills are useful for establishing boundaries, maintaining self-worth, and making effective connections.
Through learning and independently practicing the principles as well as the specific skills learned in the four areas of DBT, individuals usually feel more fulfilled, increase their self-respect, and achieve their individual goals.
