What is DBT?

Image of a trail through tall grass leading to the ocean

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

“Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive behavioral treatment that was originally developed to treat chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and it is now recognized as the gold standard of psychological treatment for this population. Research has shown it is also highly effective in treating a wide range of other disorders such as depression, trauma, and anxiety. It is widely recognized as a highly effective treatment for people with multiple and complex programs who have not responded to other therapies.”

—behavioraltech.org

The Four Components of DBT

  • Weekly individual therapy is organized by a treatment hierarchy and uses a diary card to help clients track treatment targets and skills practiced.

  • Skills Training is a weekly group which teaches the 4 modules of DBT:

    Mindfulness: the practice of non judgmental awareness of the present moment and the ability to focus your attention where you want it to be. Learn to cultivate your inner wisdom to know what is best for you in the moment.

    Emotion Regulation: Increase emotional awareness and develop clarity about the function of your emotions. Develop skills to change emotions and reduce the emotional intensity that can cause problems in your life.

    Interpersonal Effectiveness: This module will help you skillfully navigate conflicts in relationships. Learn how to get your objective, maintain relationships and stand up for yourself without letting emotions get the best of you.

    Distress Tolerance: Develop a toolkit of skills to help you get through a life crisis without making things worse.

  • Clients have access to phone/text coaching from their therapist in between sessions in order to help clients access and practice skills during a crisis.

  • Clinicians participate on a weekly DBT consultation team. My team is pacificdbt.com.

Helpful Videos

What the HEck is DBT?

DBT Mindfulness Skills

How To Get Started

Get in Touch

Reach out by email or phone to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation appointment.

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Intake Assessment

Next, we schedule an intake assessment session and make a plan of action for the best approach to help you.

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Follow the Path

Follow the plan of action we create together to begin your journey toward healing.

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