“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.”
- Jana Kingsford
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
What is it?
DBT is a therapy model created by Marsha Linehan originally developed to treat individuals experiencing chronic self-harm or suicidality. Since it’s origin, DBT has continued to be enhanced and adapted to be an effective, evidence-based intervention for a variety of problems or diagnoses. Think of this intervention as the path to understanding and experiencing what it means to “live a life worth living”.
FAQ’s
Who is it for?
DBT has been supported by research to be effective in treating and reducing severity of symptoms for individuals experiences self-harm urges, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
Why is it different?
DBT supports individuals and the people in their systems (parents, partners/spouses, siblings, etc.) to learn and apply skills to balance change and acceptance. The key to being able to identify which skill one needs and to get it to “work”, is to first build mastery around core mindfulness skills. Other skill modules of DBT include distress tolerance, emotion regulation, walking the middle path, and emotion regulation.
How long does it take?
The time it takes for any individual to “complete” or “graduate” from DBT varies greatly based on current behaviors and symptom severity presented at intake. Typically, folks will be in DBT at an outpatient practice for about 6 months - 1 year before they are able to recognize their own growth and accomplishments regarding sustained change.
How do I get started?
An intake assesment will be necessary to provide you with a tailored treatment plan and clinical recommendation regarding your needs and how DBT may be able to suit you. All that you need to do to be “ready” for DBT is to come to this appointment with an open mind and willing hands.
Did you know?
“Willing Hands” is a term used in DBT, ask about what it means!