Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) will help you manage intense emotions, balance acceptance and change, and build practical life skills. It is based on cognitive behavioral therapy but it’s specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely. The main goal of DBT is to help you find a balance between validation and acceptance of who you are and your challenges and the benefits of positive change. DBT focuses on developing these core skills:

• Mindfulness: Focusing on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment.
• Distress tolerance: Surviving crisis moments and tolerating pain when you cannot change the situation right away.
• Emotion regulation: Understanding, reducing, and changing intense or unwanted emotions.
• Interpersonal effectiveness: Communicating clearly, setting boundaries, and handling conflict in relationships.

If you feel DBT might be the right treatment for you or if you would like to explore treatment options please schedule an appointment or call (415) 290-3186 for a consultation.