What is adult dialectical behavior therapy?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for adults is an evidence based treatment designed to help manage impulsive behaviors, emotional responses, and self-destructive urges. DBT was originally developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., ABPP, as a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral treatment. DBT utilizes a dialectical approach aimed to achieve a synthesis among seemingly opposite positions, with the core dialectical dilemma in DBT being the need to utilize both acceptance and change. Empirical research has shown that DBT can also help address a variety of other concerns including eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. DBT skills can help you manage stress and live a healthier, more meaningful life.

Adults who are engaged in comprehensive DBT partake in weekly individual therapy, skills group, and have access to phone coaching with their therapist. Additionally, all DBT therapists attend a weekly clinician consultation team - an essential component of DBT that does not involve client participation and helps to ensure treatment fidelity. Family therapy sessions and ancillary services (e.g. medication management and nutrition services) may also be recommended as needed. 

Comprehensive DBT includes four stages of treatment: pre-treatment, stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3. Upon entrance into stage 1 treatment, adults will join a 24-week psychoeducation skills learning group focused on acquisition of four critical skill sets: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.

Through knowledge and implementation of DBT skills, individuals will be better equipped to manage crises, communicate effectively, tolerate life’s stressors, and problem solve difficult emotions and behaviors.