About DBT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy was developed by Marsha Linehan by combining a
cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach and a buddhist philosophy of acceptance
and living in the moment. The result is an empirically-based, structured protocal that
includes individual therapy, skills training groups, coaching in crisis (phone
consultation, case management etc) consultation team (for clinicians and other DBT
providers) and additional modes of therapy (that may include inpatient treatment,
psychopharmocology etc). Although originally designed to help individuals who are
self-injurious and/or suicidal, it is most effective for individuals with any form of
EMOTION DYSREGULATION and has been adapted for individuals with different
diagnoses.

DBT is
       Supportive,
              Behavioral,
                      Cognitive,
                              Skill Oriented,
                                      Collaborative and
                                              Balances Acceptance and Change

Dialectics refers to the ability to hold two truths that  seem like opposites and accept
that they both may be true. It means that individuals work towards a synthesis and
away from rigid, polarized thinking. The Core Dialectic is that individuals are doing
the best they can and individuals need to change.

Skills Training involves learning skills that increase:

  • Mindfulness
  • Emotion Regulation
  • Distress Tolerance
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness

DBT involves learning to accept oneself, to be actively present in the moment, to
accept life as it is, to do what is effective (what works, what moves an individual
towards his/her own goals) and to appreciate the moment.

DBT helps individuals suffering from emotion dysregulation to develop a "life worth
living" by developing balanced cognitions, emotions and behaviors and by learning
the skills necessary to make effective decisions and choices.
For more information about DBT, see the website of the group that developed the
treatment: www.behavioraltech.org.