DBT

What Is DBT?

DBT is a comprehensive and evidence-based treatment approach that was initially developed to help individuals with borderline personality disorder manage intense emotions, self-destructive behaviors, and difficulties within personal relationships. It combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies. DBT focuses on helping individuals develop skills in four main areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness can be defined as the practice of intentionally focusing one’s attention on the present moment, without judgment. It involves paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in a non-reactive manner. DBT places a strong emphasis on teaching individuals how to be more mindful in their everyday lives. This is because mindfulness is a crucial component in helping individuals regulate their emotions, manage stress, and improve overall psychological well-being. By cultivating mindfulness skills, individuals who undergo DBT can learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without getting swept away by them. This enables them to respond to difficult situations in a more measured and effective way, leading to healthier coping strategies and enhanced personal growth.

Distress Tolerance

Distress tolerance refers to an individual’s ability to withstand and cope with intense emotional distress or discomfort.

Distress tolerance, as taught in DBT, involves learning effective strategies to navigate distressing situations without resorting to destructive or impulsive behaviors. It encourages individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms and to refrain from engaging in harmful behaviors such as substance abuse, self-harm, or aggression. By enhancing distress tolerance, individuals can develop resilience and the ability to tolerate uncomfortable emotions without resorting to maladaptive responses.

When it comes to addiction and mental health disorders, distress tolerance plays a significant role in achieving and maintaining recovery. Many individuals turn to addictive substances or behaviors as a way to escape or numb their distressing emotions. By learning distress tolerance skills, individuals develop alternative ways to manage their distress, reducing the likelihood of resorting to addictive behaviors.

Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation refers to the ability to effectively manage and balance one’s emotions in response to different situations and stimuli. It is a crucial aspect of mental well-being.

DBT aims to teach individuals specific strategies for emotional regulation, such as identifying and labeling emotions, understanding the functions and triggers of emotions, and learning how to tolerate emotional distress without engaging in harmful behaviors. By cultivating these skills, individuals are better equipped to navigate challenging situations and regulate their emotions in healthier ways.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal effectiveness refers to the ability of an individual to communicate and interact with others in a healthy and productive manner. It plays a crucial role in maintaining satisfying relationships and navigating social interactions effectively.

We recognize that difficulties in interpersonal relationships can contribute to the development and maintenance of mental health disorders and addiction. By improving interpersonal effectiveness, individuals can enhance their communication skills, manage conflicts constructively, set and maintain boundaries, and negotiate their needs effectively.