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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

DBT in Orange County, California

DBT psychotherapy that helps you manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors—it’s a new way to live.

DBT in Orange County

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is used to manage mental health challenges and improve relationship difficulties. Patients in DBT learn new skills focused on four different areas. Mindfulness focuses on improving the individual’s ability to stay present. Distress tolerance teaches acceptance of negative emotions. Emotional regulation consists of strategies to manage the intense emotions that are causing problems in one’s life. Interpersonal effectiveness covers techniques to improve communication in relationships.

DBT in Orange County for mental health

What DBT Is Used For

DBT is used to support people who experience borderline personality disorder (BPD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. In addition to treating Behavioral Health conditions, DBT can help anyone experiencing intense emotions or unhealthy coping mechanisms.

What to Expect in DBT

DBT treatment usually consists of individual therapy sessions and group skills training. One-on-one sessions focus on applying the DBT skills to specific challenges and addressing any obstacles during the treatment period. Patients in a DBT skills group practice the skills and participate in group exercises.

The group members are encouraged to share their experiences and provide mutual support. Members are led by a trained therapist who assigns weekly homework to further implement the new skills. The treatment plan for an individual depends on their needs. For example, some people may attend individual sessions without completing group skills training.

How DBT Works

DBT is based on another form of effective treatment, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). In CBT, you learn skills to meet your important goals and change unhelpful behaviors. Psychologist Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., developed DBT in the 1980s to treat people with BPD. DBT is influenced by the philosophy of dialectics: balancing opposites. The therapist finds ways for the client to hold two seemingly opposite perspectives to promote balance. Accepting that change is constant and inevitable is another aspect of DBT.

What to Know About a Dialectical Behavior Therapist

The therapist’s experience and behavior in DBT are just as important as the client’s. Therapists need to practice the DBT skills themselves to effectively provide treatments to others. DBT providers know basic behavior therapy techniques and DBT treatment strategies. Our Behavioral Health professionals are equipped with specialized training in DBT to provide you with the care you need.

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