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Explore our blog for the latest DBT therapy news, guides, and insights. Discover expert tips, techniques, and resources to enhance your mental health journey with Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

How to Find a DBT Therapist Near You

  To find a Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) provider, it can be helpful to first understand some background information about DBT. This guide will provide you the basics on DBT, and prepare you to find a qualified DBT therapist.   What is dialectical behavior therapy? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of therapy for those with strong emotions. It helps clients learn to tolerate strong emotions, reduce the intensity of emotions, build better relationships, become more present (without living in the past, or being overwhelmed by the future), and build a “life worth living.” DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that address the thoughts and behaviors that lead to suffering and ineffective behaviors. It is a form of therapy with strong-research support: we know it works really well (when delivered correctly). DBT was originally designed for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and is the best treatment

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Can DBT Help with Anxiety? Here’s What You Need to Know

Anxiety can feel like a relentless storm—racing thoughts, tight chest, and a sense of losing control. If you’re searching for relief, you might have heard of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). But can DBT really help with anxiety? The short answer is yes, and in this article, we’ll explore how a DBT therapist or DBT program can offer practical solutions to calm the chaos and reclaim your peace. What is DBT, and How Does it Relate to Anxiety? DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, is an evidence-based approach blending cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness. Originally designed by Dr. Marsha Linehan for borderline personality disorder, DBT has since proven effective for a range of issues—including anxiety. It’s all about teaching you skills to manage intense emotions, which is exactly what anxiety often stirs up. Unlike traditional talk therapy, DBT focuses on actionable tools you can use right away. Whether you’re working with a DBT

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What is Emotion Dysregulation?

Emotion dysregulation is a term that’s gaining attention as more people seek effective ways to manage overwhelming feelings. But what exactly does it mean, and how can it impact your life? Whether you’re exploring therapy options or curious about tools like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), understanding emotion dysregulation is a key step toward emotional wellness. In this article, we’ll break it down and explain how a DBT program or DBT therapist can help. Defining Emotion Dysregulation Emotion dysregulation refers to difficulty managing or controlling emotional responses in a way that aligns with your goals, values, or the demands of a situation. It’s not just about feeling intense emotions—everyone does that from time to time. Instead, it’s when those emotions become so intense, unpredictable, or prolonged that they interfere with daily life, relationships, or decision-making. People experiencing emotion dysregulation might: Struggle to calm down after an emotional trigger. Feel overwhelmed by

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How DBT Skills Can Transform Your Daily Life

Ever feel like life’s challenges hit you harder than you’d like? Whether it’s managing stress, navigating relationships, or simply staying present, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers a toolbox of skills to make every day more manageable. Originally developed for intense emotional struggles, DBT has evolved into a versatile approach that anyone can use. In this article, we’ll explore how DBT skills can transform your daily life and why working with a DBT therapist or joining a DBT program might be your next step toward balance. What Are DBT Skills? DBT, created by Dr. Marsha Linehan, blends cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness to help you regulate emotions and improve relationships. A DBT program typically teaches four core skill sets: Mindfulness: Staying present in the moment. Distress Tolerance: Coping with crises without making them worse. Emotion Regulation: Managing intense feelings effectively. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Communicating and setting boundaries with confidence. These skills aren’t just

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How to Find a BPD Therapist Near You

To find a BPD therapist, it can be helpful to first understand some background information about borderline personality disorder, BPD symptoms, and how BPD is treated. This guide will provide you the basics on BPD, BPD treatment, and prepare you to find a qualified BPD therapist. What is borderline personality disorder? Borderline personality disorder is a mental health diagnosis used by mental health professionals (such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and various other kinds of therapists and counselors). BPD belongs to the group of disorders known as personality disorders. Personality disorders are characterized by set patterns of thinking and behaving which can be difficult to change. According to the Mayo clinic, “you may not realize that you have a personality disorder because your way of thinking and behaving seems natural to you.” The defining feature of BPD is emotional dysregulation. This means people with BPD tends to feel their emotions

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DBT: An “Evidence-Based” Treatment for Emotion Dysregulation

Key Highlights Evidence-based treatments are therapeutic approaches validated by scientific research. These are treatments effective in treating mental health conditions, proven to yield positive results. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Exposure Therapy are examples of evidence-based treatments. Evidence-based treatments are based on the principles of research, data analysis, and clinical trials. Navigating treatments without strong evidence can be challenging, as emerging therapies may lack sufficient research and data to support their effectiveness. The process of evidence-based treatment selection involves assessing individual needs and treatment goals, as well as consulting research and guidelines. Barriers to accessing evidence-based treatments include availability and cost, and there is an ongoing debate about standardization versus personalization. The future of evidence-based treatments involves innovations in treatment research and methodology, as well as the growing role of technology in therapy sessions. Introduction Evidence-based treatments play a crucial role in the field of mental

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Debunking Common Myths and Misconceptions About Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Introduction Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy that has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating a range of mental health conditions. It was originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) but has since been adapted to help individuals struggling with various other issues. DBT combines elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and skills training to help individuals improve emotional regulation, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and enhance interpersonal relationships. Despite its proven success, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding DBT that often prevent individuals from seeking this valuable treatment. In this post, we will debunk these common myths. By addressing these misconceptions, we hope to provide a better understanding of DBT and encourage individuals to explore this evidence-based therapy as a viable option for improving their mental health and overall well-being. Let’s dive into the myths and misconceptions about DBT and uncover the truth behind

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Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A Beginner’s Guide

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that has revolutionized the treatment of mental health issues. At its core, CBT is about identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress and psychological problems. It’s a practical, task-based approach that empowers individuals to take control of their thoughts and actions to improve their mental health and wellbeing. If you’re new to CBT or considering it as a treatment option, this guide will walk you through its fundamental concepts, how it works, and what to expect. What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a comprehensive approach to mental health treatment that focuses on identifying and addressing negative thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress and psychological challenges. Rooted in the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, CBT is grounded in the belief that problematic thoughts can lead to distressing

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Comprehensive DBT vs. DBT-Informed Therapy

DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) developed by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s. It was initially designed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD) but has since been adapted and applied to a variety of psychological issues. DBT combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques for emotion regulation and reality-testing with concepts of distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindful awareness largely derived from Buddhist meditative practice. Comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a well-structured, multifaceted therapeutic treatment program designed to treat individuals with severe emotional dysregulation and disorders related to it, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD). Comprehensive DBT is distinct in its systematic approach to treatment, consisting of several key components that work together to support the client. These components include: Individual Therapy: Clients receive one-on-one sessions with a trained DBT therapist. These sessions are typically held once a week and focus on enhancing motivational

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What does the “dialectical” in DBT mean?

Dialectical means “concerned with opposing forces.” This concept is rooted in the philosophical principle of dialectics, which suggests that everything is composed of opposites and that change occurs through the dialogue between these conflicting forces. The term “dialectical” in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) refers to the concept of bringing together two opposites within therapy. The primary “dialectic,” or pair of opposites, is between change & acceptance: the acceptance of the client as they are & the need for them to change. This means balancing acceptance of the client’s current situation with the push for positive change. Acceptance vs. Change Acceptance-focused therapies emphasize accepting one’s thoughts, feelings, and self as they are, without judgment. The goal isn’t to change these thoughts or feelings but to develop a more compassionate and accepting relationship with them. This approach is based on the understanding that struggling against or trying to eliminate difficult thoughts and emotions

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