Definition

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that began with efforts to treat personality disorders and interpersonal conflicts. There is evidence that DBT can be useful in treating mood disorders, suicidal ideation, and for change in behavioral patterns such as self-harm and substance use.

How I incorporate DBT

Dialectical means “the synthesis of opposites”, so incorporating DBT into therapy work can look a lot like introducing concepts in a way that creates space for two seemingly opposite things to exist at the same time. DBT work consists of skill-building within areas such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Sometimes we can get stuck in thought patterns or behaviors that aren’t effective and DBT offers a therapeutic foundation for people who may have had difficulty finding traction in their growth or healing process.