Over the past few decades, there have been many shifts in mental health treatment, and several therapies now better suit individuals with more complex emotional and psychological issues. In contrast, therapies have become much simpler and more efficient, naming one as Dialectical Behavior Therapy or DBT. It has become a highly respected and successful treatment nowadays.

Specially designed to tackle borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT is found to be effective in dealing with other psychological problems characterized by strong emotions and unpredictable behaviors.

This article focuses on DBT, its goal, how it functions, who it helps, and how DBT therapists help patients achieve better emotional health and connections with others.

What does Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Involve?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that was created in the late 90’s by Dr. Marsha Linehan, a famous psychologist. Dialectical means bringing together seemingly opposed principles, such as acceptance and change. DBT guides people to understand and accept their thoughts and feelings, but at the same time work towards changing unwanted habits.

The basis of DBT is that contradictory truths can exist in a person’s life at the same time. An example is: “I know I’m not perfect, and I know I can grow more.” It guides clients to stop being just critical of themselves and sets them on a path to responsible growth.

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Who Can Benefit from DBT?

DBT was designed for people who have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, mainly those who have suicidal thoughts, harm themselves, and experience very strong feelings. However, over a period of time, DBT has become known for being an effective therapy for a range of other conditions, such as:

1. Depression
2. Anxiety disorders
3. Bulimia and binge eating.
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
5. Problems with substance abuse
6. Bipolar disorder
7. Individuals in adolescence with trouble controlling their feelings

DBT stands out in its planned method and emphasis on developing skills for everyday situations.

There are Four Important Parts to DBT

The program of DBT covers several months and consists of four main modules. Each module looks at different aspects of feelings and actions:

1. Mindfulness

Mindfulness forms the basic principle of DBT. It requires you to stay mindful of what is happening now and observe your thoughts and feelings objectively. That helps people practice techniques to maintain balance when feeling stressed or upset.

Some examples of mindfulness skills are:

1. Noticing and writing about your feelings
2. Be mindful of not judging your feelings
3. Concentrating on the things that occur now

2. Distress Tolerance

Using these skills can prevent individuals from reaching for dangerous behaviors like self-injury or using hard drugs in difficult times. Awareness of distress tolerance helps individuals tolerate difficulties without trying to remove them quickly.

The main tools are:

1. Distraction techniques
2. Self-soothing activities
3. Analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of making a decision

3. Emotion Regulation

People learn through this module to recognize, name, and control their intense emotions. The purpose is to help people reduce their vulnerability towards their emotions and have fewer overwhelming emotional episodes.

It covers:

1. Being aware of and labeling emotions
2. Exploring more reasons for pleasant experiences
3. Reducing how much we’re affected by emotions
4. Using skills to balance out unwanted feelings

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness

Fear of being deserted, having weak boundaries, or handling conflicts poorly are common issues for many in DBT. It teaches you the steps to say what you want, to refuse things you do not want to do, and to stay confident in who you are with others.

Techniques include:

1. Please say (for using assertive language)
2. Give (to support relationships)
3. FAST (so you don’t lose your self-respect)

How DBT Treatment is Structured

You cannot expect DBT to be an easy therapy that everyone can use in the same way. It follows a schedule, is highly focused, and may take place in several settings.

● DBT Therapist

Meetings in DBT therapy are held just with the patient, where the client learns to use DBT skills for their specific problems and addresses issues such as suicidal thoughts or conflicts with family or friends.

● Skills Training Groups

Sessions in which clients go over and practice each of the four DBT skills, usually one time every week, and taught by a qualified leader.

● Phone Coaching

If clients are working on skills during an emotional crisis, they can talk to their therapist in real time between sessions. DBT therapists usually join teams so they do not burn out and can focus on quality treatment. They hold meetings frequently to talk through cases and give each other support.

Also Read About: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

How Does a Professional Manage DBT Therapy Sessions?

A DBT therapist takes on the roles of a coach, a trainer, and a person who encourages personal growth. Their job covers many tasks.

This is a more detailed explanation of their duties:

● Promote an Open and Supportive Relationship with the Client.

Trust is essential since DBT generally deals with distressed clients. A therapist practicing DBT makes sure to build a solid and respectful bond by using empathy, honesty, and not judging.

They accept the client’s feelings and also work on changing any harmful patterns of behavior.

● Offer Lessons on Handy Skills.

Teaching patients mindfulness, ways to regulate emotions, how to handle distress, and effective ways to interact with others takes up a major part of a DBT therapist’s duties.

They provide simple guides and assist clients in practicing the tools both within counseling and at home.

● Regularly Documenting Issues and Enabling to Deal with them

In DBT, clients keep a diary card each day, noting how they are feeling, what they are tempted to do, and what actions they take. They are reviewed in therapy to find common trends, check on progress, and update treatment methods.

The system allows one to notice right away if high-risk clients have thoughts of suicide or try to harm themselves.

● Practice Acceptance while Embracing Changes

It is the key part of the dialectical approach. The therapist weighs between enabling the client to see their situation as it is and encouraging changes that are important for them.

This sometimes means having sessions where the therapist needs to be both understanding and strong.

● Make Between-Session Coaching Available

For DBT, therapy extends outside the office sessions. Skillful therapists are available over the phone to help clients react properly, both in the middle of a panic attack and after facing a trigger. Having this option available is a strong and noteworthy part of DBT.

● Joining the Team Consultation is important.

Therapists involved in DBT typically join regular consultation team meetings as they deal with intense emotions. It assists them in putting limits, stopping burnout, and finding out how to help their clients most effectively.

Is DBT an Effective Therapy?

Several studies indicate that DBT works particularly well in controlling:

1. Suicidal behaviors
2. Self-harm
3. Substance abuse
4. People experiencing depression and anxiety

Improved mood, healthier relationships, and a more satisfying life are some of the common benefits that clients mention.

DBT appeals to individuals who want to learn genuine coping skills and see change in their daily lives, not just understand themselves better.

Final Thoughts

For many individuals, going through Dialectical Behavior Therapy means truly changing their lives. Because it stresses getting help, improving skills, and making changes, DBT helps those who feel overwhelmed or caught in unhealthy behaviors.

The DBT therapist guides the transition by helping the client with useful tools, a new way of thinking, and unerring support. The therapy can be intense, yet it can help repair relationships, bring emotional clarity, and give someone a better sense of self.

If you are looking to get started with a DBT program, reach out to learn more about our upcoming offers with Boomerang Counselling Centre at www.boomerangcc.ca.