Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a practice that utilizes self-reflection and interpersonal skill-building exercises in order to help clients change damaging behaviors and develop a stronger sense of self-acceptance. Although DBT was originally created to help people struggling with self-harm and suicidal thoughts, this therapy is now used to treat a variety of mental health disorders, including impulse control disorders and mood disorders; it is also regarded as the “gold standard” for treating borderline personality disorder. Conventional dialectical behavior therapy courses are at least six months long, but at Solara Mental Health, we offer a shortened, intensified structure designed to address immediate needs and build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.
Stepping Stones of DBT
Dialectical behavior therapy has four main components. Combined, they create a complete, thorough program designed to improve self-control and focus, develop interpersonal skills, promote self-awareness, and cultivate the ability to both manage and express emotions healthily.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the basis of all exercises in DBT. Through a combination of didactic therapy and meditation, clients practice self-awareness and learn to focus on the present; they are encouraged to watch, describe, and participate in their environment without judging or overthinking. Clients also practice letting thoughts emerge in and leave their minds in a similarly neutral way, helping them relax the mind and build increased emotional stability
Distress Tolerance
DBT does not aim to help people avoid distressing emotions; rather, it aims to promote acceptance of painful situations and feelings and appropriate reactions to them. Through expert clinical care, clients will learn concrete skills to relax during times of stress, learning to see difficult situations in less overwhelming ways and react appropriately and healthily.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Interpersonal effectiveness strives to help clients develop and maintain healthy, mutually fulfilling relationships. During this component of DBT, clients learn what their own interpersonal needs are and how to have those needs met without sacrificing integrity, equality, or self-confidence. Clients also learn effective techniques for managing social conflict, balancing assertiveness and flexibility, and saying “no” to others when needed.
Emotion Regulation
As its name would suggest, the emotion regulation component of DBT focuses on coping with the strong, often negative emotions that come from mental health disorders or traumatic experiences. Clients are taught not to suppress these negative emotions, but to understand them and accept them. With this acceptance, clients can then develop practical techniques for responding healthily and appropriately to distress and becoming less susceptible to especially painful emotional states.
At Solara Health, we help clients practice the four components of DBT during both individual therapy and group therapy sessions. Individual therapy allows for focused one-on-one attention with expert clinicians; group therapy fosters a safe, judgment-free space for clients to come together with peers to explore their experiences and practice both emotional and social techniques. The result is a breaking away from impulsive behaviors and damaging thoughts that leads to stronger relationships, increased emotional strength, and lasting psychological healing.
For more information about dialectical behavior therapy, or about other treatments offered at Solara Health, please contact us.
