Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: What Does it Treat?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that was developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s. It has since become one of the most effective treatments for a wide range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders.

DBT is based on the idea that behavior is shaped by the interaction of two opposing forces, or dialectics. This means that the goal of DBT is to help people find a balance between acceptance of their situation and making changes to improve it. In order to accomplish this, DBT focuses on four core principles: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation.

Mindfulness is the practice of being aware and present in the moment, without judgement. It helps people become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so that they can better control them.

Distress tolerance is the ability to accept and cope with difficult situations without trying to change or avoid them. This skill can help people better manage difficult emotions and reduce their risk of engaging in impulsive behaviors.

Interpersonal effectiveness is the ability to communicate effectively with other people and to stand up for one’s own rights while also respecting the rights of others. This skill can help people develop and maintain healthy relationships and better manage conflict.

Finally, emotion regulation is the ability to identify, express, and manage emotions in a healthy way. This skill can help people better identify and manage difficult emotions, such as anger and sadness, in order to reduce their risk of engaging in impulsive behaviors.

DBT is a structured form of therapy that is typically conducted in individual sessions and in groups. During individual sessions, the therapist works with the client to identify and address their problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

During group sessions, the therapist facilitates a discussion of the skills learned in individual sessions in order to help the client apply them to their everyday life.

DBT can be an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders. It can also be helpful for people who have difficulty managing their emotions, have difficulty in interpersonal relationships, or engage in self-destructive behaviors.

By focusing on the four core principles of mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation, DBT can help people learn how better to manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. 

Although DBT has been found to be effective in treating many mental health issues, it is important to remember that no single treatment is right for everyone. As with any treatment, it is important to speak with a mental health professional to determine if DBT is the right option for you. 

Additionally, it is important to remember that recovery takes time and that making lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep, can help improve your mental health.

In conclusion, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a powerful tool for treating a wide variety of mental health disorders. Through its focus on mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation, DBT can help people learn how to better manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health disorder, consider speaking to a mental health professional about the possibility of using DBT as a treatment option.