What You Should Know About Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a common treatment method used to help patients manage their emotions and their behaviors. Teenagers and adults both benefit from DBT for a variety of mental health disorders, including depression.

Are you interested in dialectical behavior therapy? This is what you should know about this form of therapy and when it might be useful for you.

What Exactly Does DBT Do?

Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of treatment that is quite similar to cognitive-behavioral therapy. It aims to change an individual's behavior, perhaps by encouraging an individual to recognize and accept the way they feel. Patients learn to be more mindful, manage their emotions, and build stronger relationships. This form of therapy is very structured. Individuals come in for regular sessions based on necessary skills. Sessions many involve solo or group sessions, and they often involve worksheets and exercises.

One of the first things you must learn as a patient of DBT is to accept yourself and your feelings. You learn to be mindful of your current feelings. Then, you learn how to change the negative feelings that may arise or correct negative behaviors.

What Skills Will You Learn in DBT?

In DBT, you will learn about specific skills you can use in your daily life. For example, you will learn how to self-soothe. You will also learn to redirect your thoughts to something less upsetting. This can help you get through your feelings without reacting. Instead, you have time to think about things and act.

It is important to pay attention to your needs when you are going to therapy. It is critical to speak with your therapist about your needs and what you expect to gain from therapy over the next few sessions. Keep in mind that DBT is highly structured, which means that you should be prepared to attend every session of therapy. Your therapist may ask you to commit to a specific number of therapy sessions.

Who Is Best Served in DBT?

Many people benefit from DBT. To start, DBT was primarily used for individuals with personality disorders, specifically borderline personality disorder. It now is considered for individuals with mood disorders and eating disorders. It is always good to speak with a professional about DBT to determine if it is going to be beneficial for you. Speak with counseling services today to discuss DBT and determine if it might be the best option for you and your mental health conditions.

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