Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a therapy which helps clients develop two simultaneous processes “acceptance” and “change”. These two elements underlie the dynamic process of growth within us. This therapy was originally designed to assist people with complex disorders or comorbidities (more than one diagnosis) and is considered the gold standard for treating Borderline Personality Disorder.
How do I know if this is the right option for me?
- Do you struggle to manage your emotions?
- Are you impulsive?
- Do you find your behaviours are complex or difficult to manage and can be self-destructive?
- Do you struggle in relationships with others?
- Do you sometimes find yourself using drugs or alcohol to manage emotions?
What are the benefits of DBT?
- Having greater control over one’s emotions: having the ability to navigate emotions and discern what is important to respond to while being able to let other emotions go
- Greater self-awareness: having the ability to be aware of yourself in relation to those around you and understand the impact you have on others
- Improved interpersonal functioning: having the ability to have healthy and stable relationships with the skills to handle conflict with loved ones effectively
- The ability to be mindful and tolerant of distress: having the ability to exist with emotions without the tendency to embody them
- Improved moment to moment functioning: having the ability to exist in the present moment while trusting that if something important comes up that you will be able to respond effectively
- The ability to exist with distress without aligning with it: having the ability to sit with and tolerate distress and respond accordingly through measured and thought out responses
- Improved ability to problem solve; having the ability to be able to think through a problem, stick to the facts and trouble shoot various solutions until you find one that works.