Behaviors are not genetic they are learned
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and develop coping skills. It was originally created by Dr. Marsha Linehan for treating borderline personality disorder (BPD) but is now widely used for other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
DBT focuses on balancing acceptance (validating emotions) and change (developing new coping strategies). It consists of four main skill areas
Mindfulness – Staying present in the moment without judgment.
Distress Tolerance – Managing crisis situations without making impulsive or harmful decisions.
Interpersonal Effectiveness – Communicating needs, setting boundaries, and maintaining relationships in a healthy way.
Behavioral Activation – Encouraging positive actions to break cycles of avoidance or fear
Why Choose DBT?
- Helps people who experience intense emotions and impulsivity.
- Provides structured skills training to improve daily functioning.
- Teaches ways to reduce self-destructive behaviors (e.g., self-harm, substance use).
- Encourages balanced thinking (avoiding extreme “all-or-nothing” thoughts).