What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Conflicting and complex emotions are difficult for all people, but some people are more susceptible to these issues and turn to DBT therapy for help. DBT stands for dialectical behavior therapy and is an intensive therapy for people who have high emotional responses that inhibit normal functions. DBT assists people in accepting and controlling their current behaviour. To break it down further, dialectics is analytical thinking that pursues knowledge and truth in conflicts between two or more people.
DBT is a type of psychotherapy that teaches people useful skills. These strategies and skills help make their lives manageable and happy. It was originally used for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. It is now widely used by many therapists, counselors and psychologists for various types of emotional and mental disorders. In fact, it can be used for almost any condition, including addiction and eating disorders. We at City Psychological Services London provide the Dialect behavioral therapy in London.
Key elements of DBT
There are four key elements of DBT that are used to manage painful emotions and reduce conflict in relationships. These elements include:
Interpersonal effectiveness , which are techniques that help people interact confidently with others and maintain self-esteem. This way you will also build a stronger relationship with others.
Emotional regulation is a strategy that helps an individual control and change their strong emotions, creating fewer problems in their lives.
Distress tolerance is a way to increase acceptance and tolerance of negative emotions, rather than trying to escape or ignore them.
Mindfulness is often a treatment that focuses on being present in the moment and being able to accept emotions without judgment.
Who can DBT help?
Coping with difficult emotions and managing the conditions that cause them are central to DBT. This form of therapy can help people with mental health problems, emotional and behavioral disorders , behavioral conditions and anxiety disorders. Some of these conditions include:
Alcohol or drug abuse
Internet or gaming addiction
Bipolar disorder
Depressive disorders
Anorexia and bulimia
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Schizophrenia
Panic disorders
Social anxiety
Hyperactivity disorder
Challenging behavior
Some forms of autism
DBT can also be used for learning disabilities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), short and long term memory problems, executive functioning problems, non-verbal learning disability (NLD), language processing disorders and dyslexia. This type of therapy can be helpful for children under 20, toddlers, and the elderly.
Acceptance rather than abstinence
Instead of teaching you to avoid or eliminate challenges, DBT helps you deal with challenges. Certain feelings and emotions cannot be avoided and it may be best to deal with them instead of trying to push them away. Accepting that you will have strong emotions and feelings can empower you to deal with them and establish better thought and emotional patterns.
According to dr. Linehana says learning skills to manage these feelings can make a big difference in your life and allow you to enjoy relationships that were previously defined by conflict. DBT is more than treatment; it is a tool that helps an individual learn the skills to use their emotions and feelings in a more productive and positive way.
Being your own therapist
In a way, DBT teaches patients to be their own therapists. People who undergo this type of therapy learn to recognize and manage problems when they arise. This can lead to less reliance on traditional therapy. Like a doctor, your psychologist, therapist or counselor is dedicated to helping you feel better. If they can teach you how to take care of yourself, it makes their job easier, more rewarding and fulfilling.
How does DBT work?
DBT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or psychotherapy, that teaches you to appreciate your emotions and feelings through acceptance. People with certain mental health problems may have difficulty dealing with complex emotions or conflict in relationships. Through therapy, you can accept a range of feelings and learn how to use them positively and productively. Using talk therapy, you learn how your emotions and feelings affect your behavior and the best way to manage any issues that are going on inside of you.
How is DBT performed?
A DBT session usually consists of several individual therapy sessions, as well as group therapy, and in some cases couples or partner therapy. A therapist will help you learn skills and tools to deal with the issues that are causing your emotional reactions. You will receive motivation and encouragement to use DBT skills in your daily life and overcome potential obstacles. Through therapy sessions, you will learn how to balance the opposing forces in your life and find ways to manage them. DBT is all about learning to accept what you can't change.
How do I locate a DBT therapist in my area?
Because DBT is a type of CBT or talk therapy, many therapists are educated in it. It is best to select someone who is an expert in this field. One way to do this is to talk to your doctor. If you already have a therapist, you can ask them to refer you to someone who practices DBT. Find a therapist who is certified and trained in DBT.
The Linehan Board of Certification offers a public online tool to help identify providers who are qualified and offer DBT supported by evidence-based research. Those listed with the Linehan Board of Certification are verified and proven to have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide DBT and follow the model developed by Drs. Linehan and her colleagues. dr. Linehan originally developed the dialectical philosophy in the 1990s to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD) and people at higher risk for suicidal tendencies or substance abuse. The following are the most significant parts of her treatment plan:
Improving your ability to increase skills
Improving and maintaining motivation for change
Ensuring generalization of changes with treatment
Increasing therapists' motivation for the best treatment
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