Adult Dialetical Behavioral Therapy - Greenwich Psychology Group

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, is a specific empirically validated form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Although it was originally developed to help individuals with borderline personality disorder or who were suicidal, it is currently used as an effective treatment for other problems and conditions including depression, social anxiety, general anxiety, emotional dysregulation, self-harm, substance use disorder, eating disorders, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

DBT is a comprehensive, modular treatment program that teaches skills according to a specific curriculum. The multiple factors impacting an individual are addressed to help patients develop self-awareness, skills, and motivation to change, with an emphasis on the interaction between the person and their environment.

Who can benefit from Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

DBT is a highly skills-oriented form of therapy. While this form of therapy is highly effective for individuals who experience problems across multiple areas, the same skills can also be applied effectively to less serious problems. Moreover, because DBT tends to stay focused on current problems and skill-building, patients can participate in DBT without necessarily having to recount stories of personal trauma or childhood experiences.

DBT skill areas

Emotion regulation

These help individuals to cope with difficult situations and overcome strong emotions that cause suffering (e.g., sadness, anger, anxiety). One goal of DBT is to decrease the ups and downs of extreme emotions and mood-dependent behaviors and increase emotional stability.

Distress tolerance

DBT works on strengthening these skills to help patients recognize and consciously control urges to do things that are ineffective, such as angry outbursts or self-harming behaviors, and that stem from strong emotional experiences. These skills aim to increase a person’s awareness, willingness, and ability to accept reality as it is so they can reduce impulsive behaviors and make desired changes.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness in DBT refers to the practice of being fully aware and present in the current moment. These skills can help with noticing and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment so a person can think and act more deliberately and effectively.

Interpersonal effectiveness

These skills focus on communication and relational skills that help individuals to build and maintain fulfilling connections, get what they want from interpersonal interactions, and behave in a way that facilitates and aligns with their personal values and goals. Thus, these skills aim to reduce interpersonal conflict, stress, and loneliness.

What are some benefits of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

As a form of CBT, DBT also helps patients develop healthy coping skills and increase awareness of their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Other advantages include:

Developing and practicing skills to increase self-awareness and ability to be fully present in the moment.
Developing interpersonal skills to improve relationships and facilitate problem-solving.
Helping individuals to accept difficult events or life circumstances so they can move on to problem-solving things that are within their control.
Developing and practicing techniques for relaxation, stress, and emotion regulation.

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DBT is an effective way for people to learn how to accept challenging circumstances, manage their emotions, communicate effectively with others to strengthen relationships, maintain self-respect, and live in the present moment. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or another condition, DBT can be one of the treatments to help you reclaim your life.

Greenwich Psychology Group has supportive and knowledgeable psychologists and specially trained clinicians to help patients cope and overcome their challenges. Every clinician has special training and education from the top U.S. hospitals and Ivy League schools. We understand you lead a busy life. Whether you’re a business leader, college student, or parent, we offer specialized treatments to help dynamic individuals thrive and adapt to new lifestyle changes. At Greenwich Psychology, you can attend virtual or in-person sessions, giving you more control over your schedule and comfort levels.

Are you ready to take control of your life? Receive DBT in Greenwich, Connecticut, or Manhattan, New York, from Greenwich Psychology Group. Find a clinician who can help you by clicking here.

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Take the GPG Symptom Checker

At Greenwich Psychology Group, our symptom checker helps clients track their symptoms of depression or anxiety. Taking the assessment doesn't provide a formal diagnosis, but it can help you determine what next steps you may need to take. The evaluation uses a series of questions to review the feelings and symptoms you've experienced over the past two weeks. The results will help you distinguish if professional help is the best next step.

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