Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) offers practical strategies to help you navigate through emotional highs and lows. At MellaHealth, our team is highly experienced in providing DBT therapy which is effective in providing tools for emotional regulation while building long-term skills for a balanced and fulfilling life.

Understanding DBT

DBT is an extension of cognitive behavioral therapy – offering tangible skills to manage challenging experiences and emotions. It is a therapy method that is proven to be effective in addressing various psychological challenges, including borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, and more. DBT is focused on equipping you with skills and strategies to manage emotional upheaval, navigate difficult interpersonal situations and maintain stability in your life.

mellahealth anxiety therapy woman sitting on couch looking hopeful

What is DBT Helpful for?

DBT is a therapy that is effective in addressing various emotional and psychological challenges. It is a practical, structured approach that can help anyone who is dealing with difficulties in managing emotions. For borderline personality disorder, mood disorders and more, DBT provides a clear, straightforward path to manage emotional distress by utilizing a strong skillset to develop and maintain stability.

Conditions Treated with DBT

- Borderline personality disorder (BPD): DBT helps manage the behaviors and mood swings that often come with BPD as well as supporting the improvement of interpersonal relationships.
- Bipolar disorder: DBT provides strategies to manage mood swings and help individuals navigate through their emotional experiences effectively.
- Depression: DBT provides skills to manage emotional lows, build motivation, and enhances well-being and recovery.
- Anxiety: DBT helps individuals manage their worry and navigate through anxiety triggers.
- PTSD: DBT provides skills to manage emotional distress, handle triggers, and supports recovery.
- Eating disorders: DBT assists in managing the emotional challenges of eating disorders and helps the individual develop a healthy relationship with food and body image.

DBT provides a structured, supportive, and practical approach to navigate through challenges so that you can take the steps towards improving your overall well-being.

DBT Therapy at MellaHealth

MellaHealth clinicians are highly experienced in DBT and provide a supportive and nurturing therapeutic experience. Each DBT strategy will be aligned with your unique goals and help improve your overall emotional well-being.

Core Skills of DBT

DBT comes with a toolkit of core skills, each designed to help with emotional regulation and social interactions.

Mindfulness: This can help you learn to accept and understand your thoughts and feelings without trying to change them or judge them harshly.
Distress tolerance: This skill is about finding and utilizing ways to endure and navigate through difficult emotional times without escalating the situation.
Emotion regulation: This involves developing skills to manage and navigate through intense or overwhelming feelings.
Interpersonal skills: This skill focuses on enhancing your communication abilities, learning how to set healthy boundaries, and developing respect for yourself and others.

Each skill you learn is a tool, providing you with practical strategies and approaches to help you navigate the complexities of experiences – working towards stability and improved well-being.

Tips for Your DBT Journey

1. Lean in: Fully immerse yourself in therapy, keep an open mind, and embrace each skill and strategy with willingness and hope.
2. Practice makes perfect: Consistently apply the skills learned during therapy in your daily life, ensuring that each strategy is actively practiced.
3. Keep the lines open: Maintain open communication with your therapist, sharing your experiences, challenges and progress candidly and openly.
4. Apply your skills: Actively apply DBT skills when emotions run high, working to navigate the challenges you face with the practical strategies learned during therapy.
5. Patience is key: Remember that progress might be slow and steady. Be patient with yourself.

FAQs

How do I know if DBT is right for me?

While DBT addresses a wide range of mental health conditions, your MellaHealth therapist will discuss various treatment methods with you to determine the most appropriate interventions to meet your goals for treatment.

How is DBT different from CBT?

While DBT and CBT both address negative thought patterns and unhelpful behaviors, DBT focuses on developing a specific skillset in the areas of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills.

How long does DBT usually last?

DBT treatment can vary in length, depending on the nature of your challenges and goals for treatment. Generally, DBT involves weekly individual therapy sessions lasting several months.