Dialectical Behavior Therapy Techniques

Do you ever feel out of control? Maybe you struggle with intense, difficult, or seemingly uncontrollable emotions. Maybe you’re having trouble managing the desire to self-harm. And maybe you’re frustrated that traditional cognitive behavioral therapy doesn’t seem to be working. If any of this sounds familiar, you could be a candidate for Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), a type of cognitive behavioral therapy specifically developed to help individuals with severe trauma or frequent bouts of intense emotion. Read on to find out more about how dialectical behavior therapy techniques can help you.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Techniques

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

As explained in Psychology Today, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy designed to benefit individuals who may not benefit from traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). DBT focuses on teaching a very specific set of skills related to the following areas: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. The mindfulness aspect teaches individuals to accept and be present in the current moment, regardless of what may be happening. The emotional regulation aspect helps individuals learn to manage and redirect intense emotions, especially when they may be causing problems in a person’s life. Distress tolerance helps individuals build up their tolerance of negative emotions. Finally, the interpersonal effectiveness aspect allows individuals to learn better communication skills and work toward strong, respectful relationships.

Who Benefits from Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Unlike CBT, which has a more universal approach, DBT was specifically developed to treat certain severe behavioral health conditions. DBT was initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder; however, DBT is also proven to help people experiencing everything from bulimia and substance abuse to bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Ultimately, this type of treatment is an excellent choice for anyone who needs help understanding and regulating their emotions outside of a standard CBT regimen.

DBT Techniques: Individual Therapy

Traditional DBT relies on a series of proven techniques. Most often, treatment involves an hour of one-on-one therapy each week. These sessions involve talking with a therapist about specific challenges and coping mechanisms that the patient experiences. Over time, the therapist should help the individual learn to manage challenges in a more controlled, predictable way. Some individuals may also benefit from remote counseling between sessions – phone or email coaching, for example. This can be beneficial for individuals who may find themselves feeling overwhelmed or in need of immediate support between sessions.

DBT Techniques: Group Therapy

DBT practitioners also often encourage individuals to participate in group counseling. DBT group therapy sessions can take a few different forms; they might involve group discussions, lectures, or something known as “skills training.” In a skills training session, multiple individuals will gather to learn everyday skills – things like positive communication, patience, and emotional regulation. These groups typically meet over the course of several months or years, allowing participants to build relationships and practice their skills in a safe, welcoming environment.

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Dialectical therapy behavior techniques are proven to support individuals struggling with behavioral health issues including borderline personality disorder, substance abuse or addiction issues, and certain eating disorders. Overall, this skills-based approach is an excellent way to work toward emotional regulation in a safe environment.

Are you struggling to manage your emotions and interested in pursuing DBT? Reed Behavioral Health offers highly individualized solutions for individuals and families who have been impacted by behavioral health problems. Our approach is different. It starts with a comprehensive and individualized assessment process so we can determine how to best help you. This includes a firm understanding of your value system and what you want out of life. Ultimately, we offer individualized care using an integrative model, working with our clients to resolve the lingering issues beyond their disorders so they can have a full life. For more information, please call us at 763-577-2489, email us at info@reedhealthcare.org, or send us a message online. We look forward to working with you!