Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach initially targeted for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, DBT has proven effective for a broader range of mental health conditions. It's tailored for individuals dealing with intense emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviors, and challenges in interpersonal relationships. DBT is particularly beneficial for those facing chronic suicidal thoughts and/or self-harming behaviors. DBT is for the teen who has anxiety attacks at school; the adult who repeatedly finds themselves in toxic romances; the father who turns to substances to find peace amid their chronic self-hatred; the person who allows rumination of past events to hinder their ability to find meaning in the present; to name a few examples. It offers dialectical strategies that combine acceptance (of the things we can’t control) and change (of the things we can control), and incorporates mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. DBT can also be adapted for individuals with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD and more. Treatment involves individual therapy, skills training groups, and phone coaching. It aims to empower individuals to build a life worth living by providing practical tools to manage emotions, navigate crises, and improve relationships with themselves and with others.
2. What is DBT skills group?
In DBT skills groups/training, with the guidance of a trained therapist, participants explore mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness through discussion, exercises, and homework. The group offers support and encouragement as members work to implement these skills in their daily lives, aiming for better emotional well-being and interpersonal success. DBT skills group/training is an integral part of the therapy program.
3. What’s the difference between a comprehensive DBT program and a therapist who utilizes DBT skills?
A comprehensive DBT program employs a multimodal approach with a structured curriculum and infused community and peer support. The program offers intensive support through individual therapy, weekly skills training groups, and in-real-life phone coaching. In contrast, a therapist using DBT skills may integrate these techniques into individual sessions but may not provide the full spectrum of evidence based services or offer the same level of structure that reliably results in improvements for clients.
4. How soon will I see results?
As a committed participant in DBT, you will quickly notice a newly acquired sense of insight and an ability to observe and recognize patterns in your life. However, it is through the continued practice of learned skills that you can change your brain physiology and behavior. For truly lasting effects, this part of the process takes about 6 months to a year.
5. Can I fail at DBT?
If you are committed to practicing the skills acquired through group skills training, you will not fail at DBT. Results from 9 clinical trials provide solid evidence that DBT is effective.
6. What is the typical schedule for a DBT program?
DBT is most effective when full commitment is made to the program involving a once weekly skills group, once weekly individual session, and in-real-life coaching calls.
7. Do you offer family therapy?
While the DBT program is centered around the individual, there are times when treating an individual's issues can greatly benefit from meeting with their family in a group setting. This helps to ensure that behaviors targeted for change in the individual are not reinforced by their family environment. In this way, bringing in the family supports the effectiveness of the individual's treatment.
8. What are the fees for your services?
Prices vary. Contact us directly to discuss pricing. Sliding scale prices are available on an at need basis.
9. Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance, though do provide superbills to clients for filing out-of-network claims.
10. Do you offer in person, virutal, or hybrid services?
All of the above. We will work with you to make sure you have the most appropriate access based on your needs. Contact us directly to discuss.
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