Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that was developed to help individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
DBT is based on the concept of dialectics, which refers to the idea that two opposing forces can be true at the same time.
The main goal of DBT is to help clients learn how to balance and integrate opposing forces within themselves.
In this blog post, we will discuss the six main points of DBT and how they can help individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation.
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1 – Mindfulness:
Mindfulness is a core component of DBT. It involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness helps individuals become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, which can help them regulate their emotions more effectively.
2 – Emotion Regulation:
Emotion regulation is another important aspect of DBT. Clients learn how to identify and label their emotions and develop strategies for managing intense emotions. Emotion regulation skills include techniques like deep breathing, visualization, and distraction.
3 – Distress Tolerance:
Distress tolerance is the ability to tolerate emotional pain and discomfort without resorting to harmful behaviors like self-harm or substance abuse. DBT teaches clients how to tolerate distress by using techniques like radical acceptance, self-soothing, and distraction.
4 – Interpersonal Effectiveness:
Interpersonal effectiveness skills are designed to help clients communicate more effectively with others. These skills include assertiveness, active listening, and setting boundaries. Interpersonal effectiveness skills can help individuals improve their relationships with others and reduce conflict.
5 – Middle Path:
The middle path is a key concept in DBT. It refers to the idea that two opposing forces can be true at the same time. For example, it is possible to have both positive and negative qualities. The middle path helps individuals learn how to balance and integrate opposing forces within themselves.
6 – Dialectical Thinking:
Dialectical thinking is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in your mind at the same time. This type of thinking helps individuals become more flexible in their thinking and less rigid in their beliefs. DBT teaches clients how to use dialectical thinking to resolve conflicts and find solutions to problems.
Dialectical behavior therapy is an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to be effective for individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
The six main points of DBT include mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, the middle path, and dialectical thinking. B
y learning these skills, individuals can improve their emotional well-being and develop a greater sense of balance and integration in their lives. If you are struggling with emotional dysregulation, DBT may be a helpful treatment option for you. Contact a licensed therapist trained in DBT to learn more about how this type of therapy can help you.
Lindsey Ferris, MS, LMFTA
Looking for Dialectical Behavior Therapist near you in Washington state? Try online therapy with Talk. Heal. Thrive.