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What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce harmful behaviors, and improve overall well-being. Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, DBT combines mindfulness with proven therapeutic techniques to promote lasting emotional health and wellness.
How DBT Works:
A Comprehensive Approach to Emotional Wellness
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based form of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to support individuals struggling with intense emotions and difficulty regulating them. Originally designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder exhibiting suicidal or self-harming behaviors, DBT has evolved to effectively treat a wide range of mental health challenges.
Research shows that DBT significantly reduces inpatient hospitalizations, suicidal behavior, and the severity of self-harming actions. This transformative therapy combines mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies with change-oriented techniques, teaching individuals how to manage emotions without resorting to impulsive or self-damaging behaviors.
At its core, DBT aims to reduce suffering and help individuals build a life worth living by guiding them toward creating the life they envision for themselves.
Four Key Components of DBT
Comprehensive DBT has four essential components, each designed to target specific areas of emotional and behavioral dysregulation. See Our Programs for more details.
Individual Therapy
Work one-on-one with a therapist to understand and manage emotions, develop new coping strategies, and navigate personal challenges.
Skills Training Group
Participate in a structured group setting where mindfulness is practiced, and new skills are introduced for managing emotions, relationships, and distress. Clients are encouraged to practice these skills throughout the week.
Phone Coaching
Receive support from your therapist between sessions to apply DBT skills during challenging moments.
Consultation Team for Therapists
Therapists meet weekly as a team to provide consultation, support, and guidance to ensure clients receive the highest quality care.
DBT Model | Coping Skills Focus
DBT teaches practical coping skills to address common areas of emotional dysregulation, empowering individuals to handle life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
If this DBT approach resonates with you and you’re ready to create a life worth living, visit our Programs page or call our intake line at (516) 627-6201 to get started today.