For the uninitiated, dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps patients identifying and managing negative thoughts and behavioral patterns, and adopt better ways of managing emotions. The use of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is more common for treatment of borderline personality disorder, but therapists are also using other DBT for depression and anxiety. It is more effective for patients who are prone to self-harm, self-destructive behavior, suicidal tendencies, and allows them to adopt changes and means for checking and controlling unhealthy behavioral patterns. Here are some more aspects about DBT.
Understanding DBT better
There are four key aspects of DBT
- The first one is mindfulness, which is all about allowing a patient to accept and feel the way they do. Acceptance, in fact, is the core aspect of dialectical behavior therapy.
- The second one is called “distress tolerance”, which helps a patient in increasing the tolerance of negative emotions instead of burying them inside.
- The third aspect is called “emotion regulation”, which teaches a person to manage the emotions that may have been triggering self-harm and self-destruction thoughts.
- The fourth aspect is called “interpersonal effectiveness”, where patient learns the techniques and means for better communication.
What to expect?
The overall approach of dialectical behavior therapy remains the same for most cases, although the treatment plan can be customized. There is individual coaching with therapists as required, and there are also group lessons, where patients learn more about behavioral skills with others and apply these skills for management of thoughts and emotions in their daily life. Offering mutual support to one another, taking up homework and assignments for improving mindfulness are also encouraged, and in between the sessions, patients may choose to go for phone coaching as required. DBT is critical for patients who have a tendency of self-harm, and for those who cannot gain enough benefit of simplified cognitive behavior therapy alone.
In conclusion
There are many advantages of dialectical behavior therapy, and it remains one of the most preferred means of managing mood issues, anxiety, disorders related to behaviors, and also for other issues like PTSD. Talk to your doctor if you are having a hard time controlling your emotions. Based on the diagnosis, your doctor may recommend therapy, which may or may not include dialectical behavior therapy. Check online to find more on DBT.
