Dialectical Behavior Therapy

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy 2019-08-24T16:22:23-06:00

Have you struggled with emotional overwhelm? Do you often get angry and then regret it? Maybe your intimate relationships never seem to work out, or you keep waiting for someone or something to fill the emptiness inside you…

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

These emotional issues could all benefit from training in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), which trains you to look at both sides of life and accept the paradoxes. DBT can help you understand and learn how to walk the middle path or use the Wise part of your mind to operate more effectively in the world.

DBT is a newer branch of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) with Mindfulness training at its core. DBT was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan of Washington University many years ago. She designed it originally for personality disorders; however, it was discovered that DBT is very successful for those who are depressed, anxious or have mood swings. It is beneficial for adolescents or those with addictions, and for many others who just want to do and feel better in life.

Indeed, there is a lot of pain and suffering in this life, but you can ease the suffering. Learning to effectively manage the inevitable pain in life supports an experience of peace. Using the DBT philosophy as a skill reminds you that the more you resist and don’t accept the reality of a situation, the more you suffer; and thus acceptance eases suffering.

DBT states that there are four different approaches to problems:

  • You can problem solve (if you can)
  • You can change your attitude about the problem
  • You can accept the situation for the moment (it is what it is)
  • You can stay miserable

Obviously, most of us would prefer not to stay miserable, as this results in more depression and anxiety, so let’s look at the options from the DBT model instead.

I offer training in DBT in the modules of Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness and Walking the Middle path.

This can be done in individual sessions or in groups. Please visit the Events tab or contact via phone at 303-833-2429 or email jilba@lifemovescounseling.com.