DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) is an approach originally created by Marsha Linehan, author of the DBT Skills Training: Manual, to adapt CBT to address people struggling with suicidal ideation, and later adapted for the issues common in individuals that meet the criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder. Since been shown to be effective with a range of other concerns as well that are listed below. DBT builds on traditional cognitive behavioural approaches with an added emphasis on emotion. It focuses on regulating the overwhelming emotions that often serve to undermine people’s functioning and introducing skillful ways to address situations that evoke strong emotional responses.
Theory
The “dialectical” nature of DBT means that a basic assumption of this approach is that people can accept themselves just as they are while also striving to make life-enhancing changes. Emotions and experiences deserve validation but are also amenable to change through greater insight and awareness, as well as implementing strategies and skills aimed at handling them better. When someone is emotionally dysregulated, this can distort their perspective of themselves and others and limit the choices they have for how to behave. DBT aims to help people cultivate “wise mind”, or the ability to bring together emotion and logic, so their thoughts and actions are not solely governed by overpowering emotion.
Techniques
DBT focuses on regulating strong emotions by way of mindfulness techniques, behavioural strategies, and interpersonal communication skills. Therapy involves learning new skills in areas like emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal communication. Clients can expect to be very active in the process of therapy, often completing worksheets or other exercises both with the therapist and as homework.
One such exercise often employed is behavioral chain analysis, wherein clients reflect on and gain insight about how they emotionally respond to situations and how they can alter their behavior to produce desired results.
Issues DBT has been proven effective for:
- Suicidality
- Self-injurious behaviours
- Substance use disorders
- Bulimia
- Binge eating
- Depression
Behavioral Therapy at No Fear Counselling
At No Fear Counselling, our therapists offer Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to people who want to handle their feelings better, get along with others, and find ways to cope with stress. We work with clients to build skills that help them feel better emotionally for a time and grow as a person.
Our team provides in-person and online counselling across Canada so people can get professional help with their mental health more easily. If you are dealing with anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed, problems with relationships, or big changes in your life, DBT can give you tools that work to help you move on.
Start building ways to deal with things today.
If you are feeling really overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or having trouble with people, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or DBT might be an idea for you. No Fear Counselling has professionals who can help you with DBT in places like Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley, and Penticton. They also do online therapy for people across Canada.
You can book a meeting with them today, and they will find a therapist who can help you learn new skills to feel better for a long time.