What You Should Know About Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), also known as DBT, is a psychotherapy technique designed to teach people how to better regulate their emotions. It has become particularly popular with those suffering from borderline personality disorder (BPD), but has also been found effective for individuals suffering from anxiety, depression and eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa or binge eating.
You can learn about DBT from a variety of resources, such as books, videos and online therapy programs. However, the most helpful source is likely a licensed therapist experienced with DBT. They will be able to give you all the information and support necessary for success throughout this process, plus teach you new skills that will remain beneficial long after leaving their office.
For optimal DBT success, sessions should be held one-on-one or in a small group setting and last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. To get the most out of your experience, select a therapist with whom you have established rapport and trust.
Before beginning DBT, it’s important to understand that it’s a complex and time-consuming therapy method. You may need to commit to regular sessions, and if depression runs in your family history, expect it to take several weeks before seeing positive outcomes.
Most importantly, DBT is not a cure-all. Some people may not benefit from it and if you have a serious mental health condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, you might need to find an experienced therapist trained in DBT.
Thankfully, there are several websites offering DBT training in the form of games, videos and quizzes. These sites can be an excellent way to supplement your day job while still learning something new, or brush up on skills after taking a formal course.
