Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Coping With Destructive Emotions
The term dialectic refers to the study of opposites and the possible solutions to these contradictions. In Dialectical Behavioral Therapy the therapist works with their client to help them learn to balance opposing perspectives and find balance. In the course of DBT clients are encouraged to take a both/and perspective rather than either/or.
This form of therapy was developed for people with borderline personality disorder, but is now used to treat people struggling with intense negative emotions such as depression and bipolar disorder, as well as those engaging in destructive behaviors like eating disorders and substance abuse.
DBT covers four skill areas:
Mindfulness. Remaining focused on the present.
Distress Tolerance. Increasing the ability to withstand a negative emotion rather than run from it.
Emotional Regulation. Managing and shifting intense emotions as they arise.
Interpersonal Effectiveness. Communicating with others in a way that is assertive, respectful, and in alignment with developing a healthy relationship.
Therapy consists of individual sessions and skills groups that meet weekly over the course of six months, and there are four stages of treatment:
Stage 1: Address the issues that brought the person to therapy.
Stage 2: Address how these issues affect how the person is able to function in their day-to-day life.
Stage 3: Focus on issues related to the person’s relationship with themselves and their relationship with others.
Stage 4: Develop skills to lead a happy, healthy life.
The ultimate goals of DBT are to teach the person engaged in the treatment how to live a full life, with strong interpersonal relationships, a positive sense of self, and confidence in their ability to manage stress and navigate challenging situations.
References:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy on psychologytoday.com
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy? by Nancy Schimelpfening on Very Well Mind
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy on the Psych Hub channel on Youtube.