What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy and How Can it Help You?

April 21, 2020

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy and How Can it Help You?

Vassilia Binensztok

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a psychotherapy theory that uses practical counseling techniques to help people take control of their emotions and experiences and build the kind of life and relationships they want. Dialectical Behavior Therapy was created by Dr. Marsha Linehan and consists of four components: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotional Regulation, and Distress Tolerance.

Mindfulness uses eastern philosophy to help us become aware of our thoughts and feelings so we can cope with them in a way that is more productive than destructive. Interpersonal Effectiveness teaches us effective ways to communicate to increase the likelihood that we can get what we need. We can communicate in ways that are more assertive so that our message gets across to others. Emotional Regulation and Distress Tolerance components teach us skills to cope with our feelings and practice ways to make our lives more fulfilling and satisfying. These counseling techniques are easily and quickly applied to provide relief.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a holistic counseling approach and its techniques can be used as-needed to help people in areas where they can use some extra skills to help them communicate assertively, cope with anger, anxiety, and sadness. Dialectical Behavior Therapy has been shown to be useful for substance abuse, impulsive behaviors, anxiety and mood disorders, personality disorders, and more.

I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy through the Linehan Institute. Give me a call for a complimentary consultation if you are looking for therapist Palm Beach Gardens.

@junocounseling