Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy focused on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness.
Key components
- Mindfulness — cultivating present-moment awareness and acceptance of thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
- Distress tolerance — developing strategies to cope with difficult emotions and situations without engaging in harmful behaviours.
- Emotion regulation — identifying and managing intense emotions in a healthy way.
- Interpersonal effectiveness — communicating effectively, setting boundaries and maintaining healthy relationships.
Benefits
Reduces self-harm and suicidal behaviours, improves emotional regulation, enhances coping skills, reduces anxiety and depression, and improves interpersonal relationships.
Conditions it targets
Borderline personality disorder, emotional dysregulation, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety and trauma.
Treatment structure
Individual therapy sessions with a licensed therapist, skills training group sessions, homework assignments and practice exercises, and crisis intervention support.
Research studies have demonstrated significant improvements in symptoms, quality of life and overall functioning.