Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, commonly referred to as DBT, is a structured, evidence based therapy designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce harmful behaviors, and improve relationships.
If your mind feels pulled in many directions at once, or if emotional reactions regularly create conflict in your relationships, DBT may provide practical tools for stability and change.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy helps individuals develop skills to manage painful emotions, tolerate distress, and interact more effectively with others. DBT emphasizes both acceptance and change, recognizing that people are doing the best they can while also working toward healthier ways of coping.
DBT focuses on four core skill areas.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness skills help individuals stay present in the current moment rather than becoming overwhelmed by past experiences or future worries.
Distress Tolerance
Distress tolerance focuses on increasing the ability to sit with uncomfortable emotions without trying to escape, numb, or react impulsively.
Emotion Regulation
Emotion regulation skills provide tools to understand, name, and manage intense emotional states that often drive problematic behaviors.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Interpersonal effectiveness skills support confident, respectful communication that maintains self respect and strengthens relationships.
How DBT Works
Many people move through daily life with a constant stream of unrecognized emotional stress beneath the surface. These emotions influence self perception, decision making, and interactions with others, including partners, family members, and coworkers.
DBT works by helping individuals bring awareness to these emotional patterns and learn concrete skills to respond differently. With practice, individuals often feel more balanced, in control, and capable of navigating relationships without repeated conflict.
At the core of DBT is the balance between acceptance and change. Clients learn to accept themselves as they are while developing skills to create meaningful change in their lives.
When DBT Is Used and What to Expect
Dialectical Behavior Therapy was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder. Research has since shown DBT to be effective for a wide range of concerns, including:
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Post traumatic stress disorder
• Eating disorders
• Substance use and behavioral disorders
• Chronic emotional dysregulation
DBT treatment often includes a combination of individual therapy and DBT skills training. Individual sessions focus on applying skills to real life situations, addressing obstacles, and maintaining motivation. Skills training provides structured learning and opportunities to practice techniques in a supportive environment.
Core Principles of DBT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy emphasizes that emotional suffering can be reduced through skill development and awareness. DBT does not frame struggles in terms of right or wrong, good or bad, or weak or strong.
Instead, DBT focuses on creating a life worth living by identifying values, goals, and behaviors that support long term wellbeing. Clients practice nonjudgmental awareness, radical acceptance of the past, and realistic engagement with the present moment.
Research led by Marsha Linehan has demonstrated DBT’s effectiveness in reducing self harm, suicidal behavior, substance use, and emotional instability. Emotional vulnerability is understood as a combination of heightened sensitivity, intense emotional response, and prolonged emotional arousal.
Finding a DBT Therapist
When exploring DBT, it is important to work with a therapist who has specialized training and experience in DBT strategies and who provides a supportive, structured therapeutic environment.
Allan J. Katz has over ten years of experience utilizing DBT skills in both individual and group settings. His work includes treating individuals with substance use concerns, bipolar disorder, and personality related challenges.
He is also the author of Experiential Group Therapy Interventions with DBT, a professional resource used by clinicians worldwide.
Take the Next Step
Dialectical Behavior Therapy can help you build emotional stability, improve relationships, and reduce patterns that no longer serve you.
If you are interested in exploring DBT therapy, call 901-248-6001 to schedule a free 15 minute DBT consultation.
You may also reach out through Contact Us or email appointments@allanjkatz.com to request an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy used for?
DBT is commonly used to treat emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and relationship difficulties.
Is DBT only for borderline personality disorder?
No. DBT is effective for many conditions involving emotional intensity and impulsive behavior.
Do I need to attend group sessions for DBT?
Treatment may include individual therapy, skills training, or a combination depending on clinical needs and availability. See our Tuesday Night Group for Women.
Is DBT evidence based?
Yes. DBT is supported by extensive research demonstrating effectiveness in reducing harmful behaviors and improving emotional regulation.
Is DBT therapy confidential?
Yes. All therapy services are confidential and follow professional ethical and legal standards.
If you are interested in exploring DBT therapy, call 901-248-6001 to schedule a free 15 minute DBT consultation.
You may also reach out through Contact Us or email appointments@allanjkatz.com to request an appointment.