What is DBT?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral and talk-based therapy that targets emotional stabilization and overall healthy living. DBT focuses on accepting your current situation while incorporating skills to change harmful behaviors and regulate intense emotions. DBT is especially beneficial for those struggling with mood disorders, PTSD, self-harm, eating disorders, and personality disorders. But, it can also help people dealing with all different situations to change their lives.

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DBT consists of 4 modules:

Mindfulness

Distress Tolerance

Emotion Regulation

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Therapists go through one module at a time to learn coping skills and target specific struggles. DBT is usually delivered in a group setting.

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Therapists can assign homework for clients to practice skills and fill out worksheets, as skills take time and reinforcement to work to the best of their ability.

Not every skill will work for every person — treatment and progress is individualized.

DBT is most commonly taught and practiced in individual and group sessions. Some therapists allow phone coaching when clients are in crisis mode and need help remembering coping skills. Therapists will also guide their patients through the skills they learned in their sessions.

Everyone can find therapy beneficial in one way or another, but DBT explicitly promotes communication skills, boundary setting, stress management, and healthy expression of emotions. Above all else, DBT is a guide to living a healthier life that everyone can benefit from, regardless of what stage of life they may be at.