What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
The Nystrom & Associates provider consulted for this article is Kathy Spiry, MSW, LICSW, Outpatient Therapist.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a course of treatment with a trained professional that helps you learn skills to manage painful emotions and effectively navigate relationships. Furthermore, DBT utilizes four modules that focus on the goal of learning to live in the moment and effectively cope with stress.
Related: How Interpersonal Effectiveness Improves Your Relationships
An Overview of DBT
Firstly, DBT is best for those who may need a step up from other therapy models, or whose lives are severely impacted by their behaviors/emotions. DBT was originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat borderline personality disorder, which can include highly suicidal behaviors, self-harm, and intense emotions. However, DBT has now been proven effective in treating many mental health issues, such as: Additionally, DBT helps those with intense shame and/or unresolved trauma. Related: Guilt & Shame: What's the Difference? Kathy Spiry specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Nystrom & Associates and expands on what exactly DBT is and what it can do for clients. Essentially, DBT:- Is a clinically proven treatment that teaches us how to build a life worth living through acceptance and change.
- Enhances learning of new skills to regulate emotions and validate our experiences.
- Validates and acknowledges our pain and life experiences while learning new skills to regulate emotions and urges.
- Encourages freedom to experience emotions and thoughts, and allows new learning to understand why they are necessary.
- Enhances the ability to walk alongside our emotions and urges to learn they are not catastrophic.
