Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s. It was originally designed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD) but has since been adapted to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
Key Components of DBT
Mindfulness: This involves being fully aware and present in the moment. Mindfulness skills help individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, improving emotional regulation and decreasing reactivity.
Distress Tolerance: These skills are aimed at helping individuals tolerate and survive crises without resorting to self-destructive behaviors. Techniques include distraction, self-soothing, and improving the moment.
Emotion Regulation: This focuses on understanding and reducing vulnerability to intense emotions, identifying and labeling emotions, and developing strategies to manage and change emotions.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: These skills help individuals to communicate more effectively and assertively while maintaining self-respect and strengthening relationships. Techniques include how to ask for what one needs, saying no, and coping with interpersonal conflict.
Goals of DBT
To help individuals build a life worth living by balancing acceptance and change.
1. To reduce self-destructive behaviors and improve emotional and cognitive regulation.
2. To enhance the ability to manage stress and improve relationships.
