Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Virtual or In-Person DBT in Columbus, OH
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that was specially adapted to treat individuals who suffer from extremely intense emotions. I always tell my clients that it is the sister of CBT. CBT deals with changing thoughts and DBT helps regulate emotions.
Why do I practice using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy at Safe Harbour Counseling?
Emotions can be very powerful if you don’t know how to regulate them. Many of the clients I see do not like to acknowledge or experience their emotions, which can lead to issues with anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, etc.
I have also seen a trend with people who are extremely sensitive, compassionate and empathetic that struggle with regulating their emotions can lead to patterns of self harm, self esteem issues and lack of identity. DBT allows people to explore their emotions, accept them, regulate them and learn how to not live in them.
Common Diagnosis’ for DBT
DBT can be useful in treating borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, and for change in behavioral patterns such as self-harm and substance use.
What to Expect with DBT
DBT is not as easy as using CBT, because people are often afraid to talk about their emotions or their lack of them. Trust needs to be established in order for my clients to want to talk about their emotions.
It is important to pace with my clients so that they don’t get too out of their comfort zone. We will then discuss certain strategies that will help with mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and emotion regulation which are the pillars of DBT.
