Dialectical Behavioral Therapy was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan and her colleagues at the University of Washington to treat Borderline Personality Disorder and other disorders of emotional regulation. DBT combines behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and Eastern contemplative practices. A hallmark of DBT is adopting a non-judgmental stance towards clients and their difficulties, and balancing Acceptance of clients “as they are” with their desire for Change. Two key assumptions in DBT are that clients are “doing the best they can in any given moment”, and that they nevertheless need to “do better, try harder, and be more motivated to change.”  In fact, this balance of Acceptance and Change, is the “core dialectic” in DBT.

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DBT has been proven effective in reducing impulsive, self destructive behaviors such as suicide attempts and gestures; cutting and other non-suicidal self injurious behaviors; substance abuse; angry outbursts; and disordered eating. DBT helps individuals gain control of their behavior and emotions, and replace problematic, self defeating behavior with skillful, goal-directed behavior. 

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Who Can Benefit From DBT?

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DBT can help individuals suffering from a range of problems related to emotional and behavioral dysregulation. These include:

 

• Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

• Self Injurious Behavior

• Mood Instability

• Fear of Rejection

• Chaotic Relationships

• Impulsivity

• Chronic Emptiness

• Problems with Anger

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Comprehensive DBT 

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Clients in Comprehensive DBT attend weekly individual DBT therapy sessions, and weekly DBT skills training groups. Clients complete daily diary cards and behavioral chain analyses when needed. Skills training groups adhere to the curriculum developed by Dr. Linehan, which consists of four skills modules: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Emotion Regulation. Skills training homework is assigned in group and skills are practiced everyday. Phone coaching for skills is available between sessions. Your therapist also participates in weekly DBT consultation team meetings.