What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a specialized type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. It is one of the most widely researched and supported treatments for learning how to manage powerful emotions, reduce suicidal urges, address interpersonal difficulties, and alleviate feelings of hopelessness. The goal of DBT is to balance principles of acceptance (e.g., of challenges, a person’s circumstances, etc.) and change (e.g., skills focused on changing how we react to emotions) to help you build a life worth living.
While many clinicians say that they offer this approach, DBT was originally designed to act as a comprehensive treatment for people with a wide range of challenges. That’s why DBT has four distinct parts of treatment – individual therapy, DBT skills group, phone coaching, and team consultation for therapists. Without any one of these components, it’s simply not DBT.
At CCBH we offer full comprehensive DBT treatment to those who can benefit. Research has shown that some people can gain a lot from just doing the DBT skills group. While we don’t think this is the best choice for everyone, we do offer DBT Skills Group as a stand-alone service for some people who already have an individual therapist and are looking to learn about skills.
“It is hard to be happy without a life worth living. This is a fundamental tenet of DBT. Of course, all lives are worth living in reality. No life is not worth living. But what is important is that you experience your life as worth living—one that is satisfying, and one that brings happiness.”
– Marsha M. Linehan,
Creator of DBT
The Four Components of DBT
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General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)If you chronically worry, ruminate, and always try to get ahead of a problem, you might have GAD. Virtual care and CBT strategies can help reduce this distress and improve your overall mental health care.
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Panic Disorder (PD)If you’ve had a panic attack (which is a terrifying experience!) and find yourself constantly worried about having another, avoiding situations, places, and sensations that remind you of that event, then you might have PD. Mental health care interventions, including virtual care, can support your recovery.
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Social Anxiety (or performance-related anxiety)If you frequently worry about how others perceive you, have a hard time performing in front of others, or struggle to meet new people or put yourself in unfamiliar situations, then you may have Social Anxiety. CBT and mental health services can provide tools to help manage these feelings.
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Specific Fears and PhobiasIf you’re generally not anxious but find that certain objects or situations (like dogs, spiders, driving, flying, etc.) consistently make you afraid, then you might have a specific phobia. Virtual care for phobias can help you overcome these fears.