DBT Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Do you want the long or the short explanation about DBT?
Short Explanation of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy:
DBT is about finding a balance. It helps people learn and use skills to make wise choices instead of reacting without thinking and doing things that make problems worse in the end.
Long Explanation of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy:
DBT was developed by Marsha Linehan, PhD who is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Director of Behavioral Research & Therapy Clinics (BRTC) at the University of Washington in Seattle. DBT was originally developed to treat suicidal patients 25 years ago and has now been adapted to treat a number of conditions.
There are several components to DBT each focusing on a basic skill:
These skills are best taught in a group setting. If the thought of being in a group makes you want to head for the hills, hold on. They are not bad. Most people come into a group feeling very unsure but see their value in the first 3 groups. Once people see how it works, most are sad when it is over. Saying that, it is also essential that those in DBT skills also work individually with a therapist. The group offers a chance to learn these new skills as well as give and get support from the other group members. Individual therapy helps you apply it to your specific situation.
For more information about DBT, go to the official web-site.
To find out more or to schedule an appointment, contact me at (360) 949-2524 or Jeanne@ChoicesCounseling.org.
Short Explanation of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy:
DBT is about finding a balance. It helps people learn and use skills to make wise choices instead of reacting without thinking and doing things that make problems worse in the end.
Long Explanation of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy:
DBT was developed by Marsha Linehan, PhD who is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Director of Behavioral Research & Therapy Clinics (BRTC) at the University of Washington in Seattle. DBT was originally developed to treat suicidal patients 25 years ago and has now been adapted to treat a number of conditions.
There are several components to DBT each focusing on a basic skill:
- Mindfulness (focusing our attention on what is happening now, not what happened before or what we’re worried will happen)
- Emotion Regulation (being able to experience emotions as a natural expression, rather than only the extremes. For example, extremely worried or very angry) Hint: Life really isn’t boring when we experience a sense of peace and calm.
- Distress Tolerance: (being able to manage even though horrible things are or could be happening)
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: (getting along with other people, communication, saying what you mean in a way that other people understand what you’re saying, and making good choices about other people)
These skills are best taught in a group setting. If the thought of being in a group makes you want to head for the hills, hold on. They are not bad. Most people come into a group feeling very unsure but see their value in the first 3 groups. Once people see how it works, most are sad when it is over. Saying that, it is also essential that those in DBT skills also work individually with a therapist. The group offers a chance to learn these new skills as well as give and get support from the other group members. Individual therapy helps you apply it to your specific situation.
For more information about DBT, go to the official web-site.
To find out more or to schedule an appointment, contact me at (360) 949-2524 or Jeanne@ChoicesCounseling.org.