Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder. However, research has shown that DBT can be effective in treating a wide range of other conditions as well, including eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, and anxiety.
How it works:
The core principle of DBT is that it is better to accept both the positive and negative aspects of our lives rather than trying to deny or change them. This acceptance is balanced with a commitment to change, which leads to the dialectical approach of the Therapy. In other words, DBT seeks to find a balance between accepting things as they are and working to change them. As a result, DBT can help people to develop greater acceptance of themselves and their lives, while also providing the tools and motivation needed to make positive changes.
Skills taught in DBT include:
Distress Tolerance
Mindfulness
Emotion regulation
Interpersonal Effectiveness
The ultimate goal of DBT is to help patients develop a more balanced approach to life so that they can feel happier and more fulfilled.
To request a 15-minute complimentary consultation with one of our therapists, please email info@lotustherapy.ca. You can book your first session here:
“Emotions are not good, bad, right, or wrong. The first step to changing our relationship to feelings is to be curious about them and the messages they send to us.”