Sometimes, talking things over with a trusted friend or loved one can help you feel stronger and think more clearly. Imagine not having anyone to talk to. Then, imagine having a mental health issue like severe depression and no one with which to share your experiences or thoughts. We all need to express our feelings and our pain.
Maintaining our mental health is crucial to our well-being. Talk therapies are used increasingly with mental health disorders, substance use disorders (SUDs), personality disorders, and other mental health issues. Interestingly, some forms of talk therapy practiced thousands of years ago are still effective today.
The focus of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), when used with treatment, is to develop acceptance while promoting behavioral changes. This allows for the normally opposing influences to work together, aiding recovery.
DBT is a talk therapy designed to help people manage mental health challenges. DBT came from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a talk therapy. Originally, DBT was a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment to assist individuals struggling with borderline personality disorder (BPD). This therapy places emphasis on the management of extreme emotions.
The word dialectical means “acting through opposing forces.” DBT is rooted in science and accedes to the opportunity for individuals to control strong emotions. DBT also works together with CBT treatments to help individuals build healthy relationships.
DBT is a comprehensive cognitive-based treatment that addresses more complex and difficult-to-treat mental health disorders. DBT is also a treatment for people with multiple mental health diagnoses. This therapy serves the following functions:
The functions may include individual psychotherapy, group skills training, phone consultation, and a therapist consultation team.
Empirically supported treatments are those treatments rooted and proven in controlled research. DBT is an empirically supported treatment for individuals diagnosed with BPD who display dangerous, life-threatening behaviors. Examples of such behaviors are attempting suicide and self-injury.
BPD is a “Mental illness that severely impacts a person’s ability to regulate their emotions.” People who struggle with BPD experience extreme mood swings. They may feel uncertain about how they see themselves and rapidly shift their feelings about others. People with BPD also tend to view things in extremes.
Studies show that 75% of individuals with BPD have a history of one suicide attempt or more, and 90% have a history of non-suicidal self-injury. It is crucial for those struggling with BPD to receive treatment as swiftly as possible. Individuals with BPD possess a biological propensity to struggle with more intense and reactive emotions than normal.
Teleconferencing from home to see a doctor is now almost commonplace, especially since the pandemic drove the need for stay-at-home services. Considering the success of telehealth, it only makes sense that other agencies and businesses follow suit.
Although trials continue on telepsychology with DBT, the focus is on making contact between sessions. Face-to-face therapy remains the standard option, however, while data collection continues on the similarities and differences between treating individuals in the office and via teleconferencing.
Telephone coaching is also a relatively new treatment mode in DBT. Its use aims to help prevent suicidal behaviors and repair deterioration in the relationship between the client and therapist. Phone coaching also helps individuals generalize skills they learn in treatment to their everyday lives.
Texting is also used for DBT and provides another effective medium for giving and receiving care. Texting is convenient and works well for people who cannot talk on the phone or prefer texting over talking. Telephone coaching is especially favorable among lower-income individuals who cannot easily attend face-to-face sessions between regular appointments.
Emotional dysregulation refers to a person’s inability to control emotional reactions to stimuli. The desire for emotional regulation encourages and motivates many individuals to seek mental health treatment. Encouragement, motivation, and various treatment modalities convince people to enter treatment programs. Deciding on the most effective mix of therapies can be challenging, but it can make a difference in an individual’s recovery progress.
In addition to the benefits of DBT for BPD, DBT can reduce anxiety, stress, and trauma symptoms. DBT is also effective in helping to manage the following mental health issues:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is often recommended by therapists and doctors as part of a treatment plan, especially for managing intense emotions and improving communication skills. DBT is particularly effective in addressing issues such as emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness, making it a valuable tool in the treatment and recovery process. If you’re currently in therapy or recovery and think DBT might benefit you, discussing its inclusion with your therapist or doctor is a crucial step. Open dialogue is key to healing, and being able to express your feelings in a calm and effective manner is part of the recovery journey.
For those seeking treatment centers that offer DBT as part of their therapy options, SoCal Mental Health can assist in finding the right facility. Our directory includes a range of centers across Southern California that specialize in DBT, catering to individuals with diverse therapeutic needs. These centers focus on providing a supportive environment where individuals can learn and practice the skills taught in DBT to aid in their recovery and improve their overall quality of life. If you’re looking for a treatment center that offers DBT, reach out to explore your options and take the first step towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
