Dialectical Behavior Therapy in New Braunfels, TX
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on teaching individuals essential skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal relationships. It is a structured program of psychotherapy with a strong educational component, and is a highly effective form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Discover the transformative power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with Texas Counseling, PLLC. Begin your journey towards emotional resilience and personal growth today by scheduling a session with Ms. Teresa Thompson, LCSW, a seasoned therapist with over 30 years of experience. Your mental well-being is worth investing in.
Goals of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
The core principle of DBT lies in the balance between change and acceptance, acknowledging the need for both.
You and the therapist work together to:
- Learn essential skills
- Managing intense emotions
- Navigate social relationships
How is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Performed?
Dialectical behavior therapy often involves attending weekly sessions and engaging in homework assignments, participants can develop these skills progressively and integrate them into their daily lives, leading to improved emotional stability and better social functioning.
It consists of group instruction and individual therapy sessions, both conducted weekly for six months to a year.
Origins of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Originally developed by Dr. Marsha M. Linehan in the 1980s to treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), DBT has since proven its efficacy in helping patients with various needs. It was originally designed to curb the self-destructive impulses of chronic suicidal patients.
What Can Dialectical Behavior Therapy Help With?
Dialectical behavior therapy is typically used to address a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, such as:
- Psychiatric conditions
- Depressive disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Personality disorder
- Emotion dysregulation
If you have any of these conditions, you may have a variety of symptoms.
What Symptoms may need DBT?
- Persistent negative emotions
- Difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships
- Self-destructive behaviors or self harm
- Bulimia
- Binge-eating disorder
- Substance use disorder
- Patterns of thinking that interfere with daily life
If you think you may have a condition that dialectical behavior therapy could help with, talk to Ms. Thompson.
Diagnosis of these conditions is often made through:
- Evaluating symptoms
- Clinical interviews
- Psychological assessments
- Medical evaluations
- Discussions about past experiences
We can get you on the road to recovery and dialectical behavior therapy can help.
Techniques of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Typically, dialectical behavior therapy involves structured and evidence-based approach to managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and achieving emotional well-being.
Dialectical behavior therapy often includes:
- Mindfulness – learning to be aware of their environment, bodies, thoughts, and emotions, you can fostering a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences
- Interpersonal Effectiveness – skills to navigate relationships effectively and assert your needs while respecting the boundaries of others
- Emotion Regulation –managing intense emotions in a healthy manner by identifying and labeling emotions, exploring the functions of emotions, and developing strategies to cope with emotional distress effectively
- Distress Tolerance Skills – working to navigate difficult and distressing situations without engaging in harmful behaviors
Requirements for Successful Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy offers a profound and transformative journey of self-discovery and healing.
For best results, we suggest:
- Completing a diary card to track treatment targets
- Honestly reporting moods, behaviors, and skills
- Rating the intensity of your emotions
- Trust and discussion about experiences as needed
- Tracking and checking behaviors
- Acknowledging positive practices
- Figuring out what led to a specific problem
- Uncovering underlying beliefs or attitudes
- Discussing consequences openly