Let’s Learn About DBT

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) began as a type of CBT designed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Both therapies aim to help manage thinking and behavioral patterns, however DBT places a stronger emphasis on managing emotions and relationships. This is as patients with BPD often struggle interpersonally due to the condition’s characteristic swings in mood and behavior.

DBT works on developing four core skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness – all of which aim to help patients learn how to cope with emotional distress in a positive, productive manner. The first two skills focus on fostering acceptance of thoughts and behaviors. The latter two work to modify thoughts and behaviors.

When is DBT Useful?

DBT places a focus on fostering the four following skills.

Mindfulness skills revolve around the ability to be present in the moment, enabling you to notice and accept thoughts and feelings without judgement.

Distress tolerance is especially helpful in moments of crisis. Its aim is to help patients endure challenges without relying on maladaptive coping strategies (ie. substance abuse).

Emotion regulation skills place focus on dealing with primary emotional reactions as to inhibit a chain of distressing secondary reactions from occurring.

The last core skill, interpersonal effectiveness, helps patients clarify how they feel and what they desire, both important aspects to building relationships. It does so by helping patients develop listening skills, social skills, and assertiveness in order to help them change situations without compromising their values.