Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Austin, TX

Sue: One of the main approaches for DBT is individual therapy, with and emphasis on working on skills.

Abraham Abe: My main approach to DBT often doesn't name DBT, so much as use its principles in conversation with clients' concerns. I start by addressing the values they hold strongly, then advocate for others they're trying to rely on more, emphasizing that they are not mutually exclusive and they do not need to only choose one.

Sue: Group therapy is a powerful tool if it's available. Also, working on mindfulness.

Abraham Abe: I find I incorporate the concept of balance and opposing values the most in DBT: “wants” vs. “shoulds,” with both having value, is the most common. I start with the values they hold more strongly, then advocate for the other ones they're trying to rely on more, emphasizing that they are not mutually exclusive and they do not need to only choose one.

Sue: Meaningful progress in DBT occurs when you can see that clients are not just venting week after week and doing homework.

Abraham Abe: I can see someone making progress in DBT when they're able to say in practice that they have been incorporating their other value(s) and tools into their daily life (i.e. making room for rest or relationships and interests in a work-oriented person, or committing to “to-do's” & identifying strongly with them in a more work-avoidant person).

Sue: Clients can practice mindfulness skills and read related material.

Abraham Abe: I recommend that clients revisit the “shoulds” vs. “wants” concepts on a regular basis, seeing where they could apply to their priorities at the time.

Sue: Like any therapy, clients should review if this is an approach they are willing to do and know it will be challenging.

Abraham Abe: To prepare for DBT, a client can think consciously about their current values and whether there are benefits to the other values that they may be missing out on. Focus on what a “best-of-both-worlds” life might look like for them, as opposed to one extreme or the other.