Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical behavior therapy combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles with mindfulness and acceptance strategies to treat a host of mental and behavioral health issues. While it was originally developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat borderline personality disorder, dialectical behavior therapy is now quite a versatile option among mental health and addiction therapy programs. 

Initially developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has proven effective in treating a wide range of emotional and behavioral difficulties. Individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, substance use disorders, and eating disorders can benefit from DBT.

Our dual-diagnosis centers focus on balancing acceptance and change through four modules:

• Mindfulness
• Emotional regulation
• Distress tolerance
• Interpersonal effectiveness.

These modules help clients stay present, manage emotions, cope with crises, and improve interpersonal skills, ultimately empowering them to build a life worth living despite emotional and psychological challenges.

DBT Techniques

Techniques utilized by the DBT specialists at our centers for co-occurring disorders are designed to help individuals develop skills to manage their emotions and behaviors more effectively. The treatment is typically delivered through several methods.

Therapeutic Structure

DBT consists of individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultations. An individual DBT therapy session helps people apply these skills to their specific challenges and goals. Phone coaching provides additional support outside of therapy sessions and a consultation with a behavior therapist ensures effective treatment and mutual support.

Treatment Phases

DBT is structured into stages that guide the therapeutic process. The initial phase emphasizes stabilization and behavioral control, focusing on reducing life-threatening behaviors, enhancing motivation, and developing an effective treatment plan. Subsequent phases focus on improving quality of life, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem.

Skills Training

Skills training is at the core of our dialectical behavior therapy, where clients learn techniques to manage their emotions and behaviors. Mindfulness skills help individuals stay present and aware, reducing emotional reactivity. Emotional regulation skills assist in managing emotions more effectively. Distress tolerance skills demonstrate ways to cope with crises and manage intense emotions without harmful behaviors. Interpersonal effectiveness skills improve communication and teach individuals how to set boundaries as well as build healthy relationships.

Through these structured components, our DBT program helps individuals cultivate a balanced, mindful, and emotionally stable life.

Who Benefits from Our DBT Programs?

Dialectical behavior therapy is effective in treating various mental health conditions by improving emotional regulation and interpersonal skills, including:

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Initially developed for BPD, DBT helps manage emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve overall quality of life.
• Depression: DBT is effective for individuals who have not responded well to other treatments, teaching skills to manage negative thoughts and emotions.
• Anxiety Disorders: DBT benefits those with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, teaching mindfulness and distress tolerance to manage symptoms.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): DBT helps individuals with PTSD manage symptoms related to trauma, providing skills to cope with distress and improve emotional regulation.
• Substance Use Disorders: Often part of addiction treatment, DBT helps manage cravings, cope with stress, and improve interpersonal relationships.

Research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of DBT in reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life for individuals with these conditions.

What Are the Benefits of DBT?

DBT significantly improves the lives of those struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges. Some of the benefits of DBT include:

• Personal Growth: DBT enhances self-understanding and acceptance, helping individuals manage emotions and stress constructively.
• Improved Quality of Life: DBT skills lead to better interpersonal connections and increased satisfaction in personal and professional settings.
• Reduced Problematic Behaviors: DBT effectively reduces self-destructive behaviors by teaching distress tolerance and alternative coping strategies.
• Enhanced Emotional Regulation: DBT equips individuals to identify and manage emotions effectively, promoting stability.
• Evidence-Based Effectiveness: Numerous studies support DBT’s effectiveness for various mental health conditions.
• Tailored Approach: DBT is flexible and can be customized to meet individual needs.
• Long-Term Benefits: The skills learned in DBT provide long-lasting improvements in emotional regulation and relationships.

This therapy empowers individuals to take an active role in their mental health recovery, providing the tools and support necessary for a fulfilling and balanced life.

Reach Out for Luxury Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

Are you or a loved one struggling and seeking an upscale mental health treatment center? At Legacy Healing Center, our dedicated team of specialists is here to provide expert help. Contact us today to begin your journey towards improved well-being with our specialized dialectical behavior therapy in Fort Lauderdale. For more information about DBT, mental health, addiction, and more, explore our treatment articles.