Dialectical Behavioral Therapy | Los Angeles, CA
Live in the Moment
DBT focuses on the here and now and on helping people understand and accept their emotions.
Know your self-worth
Take charge of your emotions.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on helping people change patterns of behavior that are unhealthy and self-destructive. The therapist works with the client to help them find more effective ways of coping with stress and emotions.
DBT was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, but studies found it to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
DBT is based on the premise that it is possible to change the way we think and feel about ourselves and our experiences, even if the circumstances that give rise to those thoughts and feelings cannot be changed. The goal of DBT is to help people learn to regulate intense emotions, cope with stress, make better decisions, and improve their overall quality of life.
“DBT focuses on helping people change their relationship with themselves first and foremost.”
What are the core components of DBT?
DBT treatment typically involves four core components:
- Mindfulness: Mindfulness helps patients focus on the present moment and be aware of their thoughts and feelings without judgment. It is a critical component of DBT, as it helps patients become more aware of their thoughts and emotions and accept them as they are.
- Distress tolerance: Distress tolerance is the ability to tolerate and cope with difficult emotions and situations in a more constructive way. It is an essential skill for patients to learn, as it can help them avoid making impulsive decisions or engaging in self-destructive behaviors.
- Emotion regulation: Emotion regulation helps patients manage their emotions in a healthy way. This skill can help individuals regulate their emotional reactions and make better decisions.
- Interpersonal effectiveness: Interpersonal effectiveness is the ability to create and maintain healthy relationships. It is an essential skill as it can help people avoid conflict and develop better communication and conflict-resolution skills.
How is DBT different from other therapies?
DBT has its roots in Buddhist philosophy, and its name comes from the concept of dialectics, which is the idea that two things can be true at the same time. In DBT, the therapist and the client work together to find a balance between acceptance and change.
DBT focuses on the here and now and on helping people understand and accept their emotions. This acceptance is key to helping people make positive changes in their lives. However, this does not mean that DBT is a therapy that condones all thoughts and problematic behaviors. Instead, it means that this form of therapy helps people accept that thoughts and behaviors are a part of life and that they cannot always be changed.
Other therapies often focus on helping people change their relationships with other people. While this can be helpful, it can also be difficult and even impossible to change relationships with other people if the relationship with oneself is not healthy.
DBT focuses on helping people change their relationship with themselves first and foremost. This is done through a number of different techniques, including mindfulness, which helps them to be more aware of their thoughts and feelings.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a skills-based therapy. Its focus is on teaching patients specific behavioral and mindfulness skills they can use to prevent emotional dysregulation and cope with difficult situations in their daily life.
Other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), may also focus on skills training, but DBT goes a step further by also teaching patients how to apply those skills in their everyday lives and achieve more positive emotional experiences.
Who can benefit from DBT?
Generally speaking, DBT is most effective for people who suffer from various mental health conditions, including:
- Borderline personality disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Substance use disorders
However, DBT can also be of help to individuals who:
- Are struggling with complex, multi-dimensional problems
- Are struggling to manage their negative emotions
- Are feeling overwhelmed by their emotions
- Have tried other types of therapy without success
- Have a history of self-harming or suicidal behaviors
How I Can Help
DBT is a collaborative therapy, which means that we will work together to set goals and create a treatment plan. This collaborative approach helps to ensure that the therapy is tailored to your specific needs.
DBT is based on the belief that people are capable of change and that change is a process that happens over time. Change is a dialectical process, which means that it involves both change and acceptance. In order to change, we must first accept that we need to change. This can be a complex process, but it is essential for making lasting changes in our lives.
DBT consists of four main modules: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. Each module focuses on teaching specific emotion regulation skills that can help people in their everyday lives. I will work side by side with you to help you:
- Develop a better understanding of yourself and your illness
- Develop better coping skills
- Learn to master emotional regulation
- Reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms
- Improve your overall quality of life
DBT is a commitment-intensive treatment, so individuals who are interested in this type of psychotherapy should be prepared to commit to attending weekly individual therapy sessions. DBT requires work and effort, but it can be an incredibly effective treatment for those who are willing to put in the work. If you want to learn more about DBT, give me a call. Take the first step toward improved mental health.
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