What is DBT Therapy?
Welcome back! Today we are excited to welcome Leeann Martinez, LMSW to the blog. Leeann is a trained DBT therapist and will take us through the basics of understanding DBT therapy and how DBT therapy can be an effective tool for treating many mental health concerns.
So what is DBT therapy?
Have you ever found yourself in a conflict that you were uncertain about how to resolve? Have ever felt strong emotions that were difficult to navigate? Do you feel that life is passing by, and you wish you remembered to stop and appreciate what you have? Is there a habit you have that you wish you could have more control over?
We have all been there at some point in our lives. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of treatment that can assist with hands-on skills that you can practice at home. These skills include four topics:
interpersonal effectiveness,
mindfulness,
emotion regulation,
and distress tolerance.
DBT therapy also provides you a way to track your progress and gives you a space to be aware of your triggers and behaviors. This specific form of treatment allows you to identify which behaviors are unwanted and keeps you accountable for minimizing said behaviors.
Where did DBT therapy begin?
DBT therapy originally was created to assist those with Borderline Personality Disorder. The treatment has since been adapted to treat a variety of issues you may be dealing with. These issues may include self-harm behavior, suicidal ideation, behavioral issues, eating disorders, and other unwanted behaviors. Other examples of unwanted behaviors that could be treated through DBT therapy are as follows: excessive screen time, issues with conflict resolution, irritability, distractibility, issues keeping up with tasks, and more. DBT therapy can treat single targeted behaviors. If you are not sure which behaviors you would like to modify, your therapist can assist in brainstorming with you!
How does DBT therapy work?
The format of treatment can vary depending on the facility in which you are attending treatment. At Salyer Counseling Group, DBT Therapy Skills groups are offered hourly, on a weekly basis. DBT can be adapted for children, and teens or adolescents, all the way up to adults. Participants will be provided a curriculum with the planned skills for each week. Participants will also receive copies of a Diary Card, in order to keep track of their growth in minimizing unwanted behaviors.
Why is it worth it to push past the discomfort of meeting new people to attend a DBT group?
Many people might find a group setting intimidating before they attend their first session. This is understandable, as you will be learning and implementing skills alongside a group of people you just met.
The American Psychological Association shares the benefits of group therapy. Group therapy allows for you to have a support network and “sounding board”, which gives you the opportunity to utilize many peoples’ perspectives in your problem-solving. Group therapy also gives you the chance to hear other issues, which can put your problems into perspective. Hearing others' problems can help you to realize that you are not alone. Many people feel surprised at how well group therapy works for them! Group therapy may seem intimidating, and it can be a helpful option to work toward your growth and healing.
In future blogs, we will be exploring a more in-depth explanation of the four principles of DBT therapy. You will be able to read along and gain more understanding of what you will be learning/implementing and why.
