Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a state-of-the-art, evidence-based, new-wave form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for people who experience significant difficulty managing their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
In order to more effectively manage intense emotions that can lead to impulsive decision-making and problematic behaviors, clients participating in DBT learn how to practice mindfulness - fully being present in the moment and focusing on one thing at a time, without judgement - along with new problem-solving skills. When mindful awareness is combined with effective problem-solving skills, such as emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills, sensitive and emotionally reactive individuals have the tools to respond flexibly to difficult and stressful life experiences.
DBT has helped individuals and clients who struggle with any or all of the following:
- Impulsive/disruptive behaviors
- Frequent mood swings
- Self-injurious and suicidal behaviors
- Depression and anxiety
- Family and peer conflict
- Anger outbursts
- Eating disordered behaviors
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Poor coping skills
Considerable research has been conducted on DBT for clients and multiple randomized controlled research trials have demonstrated its effectiveness. We treat many clients who struggle with emotional ups and downs and assist families who want to help their children and loved ones manage these intense emotional fluctuations. DBT is an excellent option for those who want a comprehensive treatment that teaches emotional, behavioral, and cognitive skills.
DBT Skills Training:
- Understanding, managing, and regulating emotions
- Tolerating distress and crises without making problems bigger
- Maintaining, keeping, and making new satisfying relationships with others
- Increasing self-awareness, expanding one's ability to recognize alternative points of view and managing emotional situations
- Increasing problem-solving skills, learning validation and effectively managing difference of opinion with family members
Current research suggests that DBT may also be effective for children and preadolescents (aged 9-12) who struggle with intense emotions, disruptive behaviors, and challenging relationships.
Our team encourages preadolescents, adolescents, and adults to healthfully cope with painful emotions and take action towards positive self-care.
DBT Treatment Approach and Services
Clients in the DBT program at The Life Worth Living Collective agree to commit to the following core components for 6 months of treatment, with the recommendation to repeat.
DBT Skills Training Classes
- Ages 9-14, 14-18, and 18+
- Weekly for 90 minutes
- Preadolescent, adolescent, and adults attend skills training classes with clients their own age and who are also experiencing similar life stressors to learn core DBT skills. Parents, guardians, family members, and loved ones (18+) can attend a specialized group to learn about how to more effectively communicate with their children and loved ones, enhance their own coping skills, and empower their child and loved one to use DBT skills to deal with problems.
DBT Individual Therapy
- Meeting 1-2 sessions each week, clients work on specific problem behaviors and apply techniques learned in the skills training class to their goals.
- Skills Coaching by Phone
- Available to help clients apply skills at the moment they are needed before high-risk behaviors occur.
Consultation Team
Our clinicians at The Life Worth Living Collective meet regularly as a consultation team to support one another and think creatively about the best ways to help teens and their families.
DBT Parent Training
Parents have the opportunity to work on specific problem behaviors and parenting goals by combining techniques learned in the skills training classes with additional parent support. This is highly encouraged.
**Adapted from content developed by The Child Mind Institute (www.childmind.org), an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders.