Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help individuals manage their emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and improve their relationships with others.

 

It was originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder, but it has since been adapted for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

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DBT focuses on four main components:

1. Mindfulness: This involves being present in the moment and fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment.
2. Distress Tolerance: This component teaches skills to tolerate and survive crises and emotional pain without resorting to harmful behaviors.
3. Emotion Regulation: Techniques are taught to help individuals understand and manage their emotions more effectively.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: This component helps individuals improve their communication and relationship skills to interact more assertively and maintain healthy relationships.

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The therapy is called "dialectical" because it emphasizes balancing and integrating opposites—such as acceptance and change, or validation and problem-solving.

 

It involves individual therapy sessions, group skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultation.

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