Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment developed my Marsha Linehan for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Over the years, DBT skills have also been shown to effectively support clients with a range of other mental health challenges including anxiety and depression.

DBT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy, meaning that it focuses on supporting clients in changing patterns of thinking and behavior to improve mental health symptoms. This is done through learning coping skills, emotional regulation techniques, and improved communication strategies. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy also incorporates "dialectics" into this framework— a way of thinking that allows for two conflicting things to be true at once. And example of this is balancing acceptance of how things are, with the expectation and desire to continue creating positive change.

How Does DBT Work?

DBT focuses on building skills in 4 main areas of functioning that clients with certain mental health conditions (such as Borderline Personality Disorder) often struggle with. These 4 areas are Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. As skills are build in each of these categories, clients often cope with life challenges better, can reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, emotional volatility, and begin to better manage fears of abandonment.

Here are some examples of what these skill areas contain, and what is taught during the course of DBT:

Mindfulness

  • Doing one thing at a time and paying attention to the task at hand

  • Being non-judgmental toward the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of the moment

  • Understanding the difference between emotional thinking, logical thinking, and how to combine the two to make wise decision

Distress Tolerance

  • Harm reduction techniques

  • Coping skills such as self-soothing and distraction

  • Radical Acceptance (accepting things just as they are)

Emotional Regulation

  • Identifying, understanding, and managing intense feelings

  • Learning to take grounded and mindful actions

  • Improving self-compassion

Interpersonal Effectiveness

  • Learning improved communication skills

  • Learning to set and respect important interpersonal boundaries

What Does DBT Treat?

Though originally designed for Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT is now used for various mental health conditions where clients might struggle with emotional regulation, impulse control, or self-destructive behaviors. This includes helping clients experiencing chronic suicidality or self harm, depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Online Trauma Therapist in Arizona

This is where I write a little blurb about me, my practice and where I'm located, so Google knows how to find my webpage and show it to people who are looking for help.

My name is Alessia Kosta and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that practices individual therapy in the state of Arizona. I am a fully online therapist with extensive training in treating trauma, and the many other mental health concerns traumatized clients often experience.

While I am a trained EMDR therapist and trained NARM therapist, I also work with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder, or any other clients that may need help with emotional regulation and concrete coping skills.

If you're interested in working together, have more questions, or want to schedule a free consultation, feel free to reach out! I'm always happy to chat and answer any questions you may have.