What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Its main goals are to teach people healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with others. It can help people who have difficulty with emotional regulation or are exhibiting self-destructive behaviors, such as substance use or self-injury.

DBT teaches techniques for handling crisis using distress tolerance skills, including: distraction, improving the moment, self-soothing, and thinking of the pros and cons of not tolerating distress. Distress tolerance techniques help prepare you for intense emotions and empower you to cope with them with a more positive long-term outlook.

DBT aims to improve your emotional regulation. This lets you navigate powerful feelings in a more effective way. The skills you learn will help you to identify, name, and change your emotions. When you are able to recognize and cope with intense negative emotions, it reduces your emotional vulnerability and helps you have more positive emotional experiences.

Lastly, DBT prioritizes improving relational health by exploring your relationship patterns and interpersonal effectiveness. This helps you to become more assertive in a relationship while still keeping a relationship positive and healthy. You will learn to listen and communicate more effectively, deal with challenging people, and respect yourself and others. If you’re ready to learn how to cope with stress, regulate your emotions, and have more fulfilling relationships, contact Colorway Wellness today!