Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Boston, MA

My go-to approach in dialectical behavior therapy is multifaceted. I find great benefits in helping others develop DBT skills, which encompass mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT also helps to reduce self-judgement and promote progress.

In dialectical behavior therapy, there are four categories of behavioral skills that are taught in individual or group settings. Mindfulness skills are utilized to enhance present awareness and acceptance. Distress tolerance focuses on developing coping skills for crisis situations. Emotion regulation focuses on identifying and managing intense emotions. Interpersonal effectiveness focuses on building and maintaining healthy relationships.

I know a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy when they are able to utilize skills in everyday situations to help regulate emotions more effectively and develop coping skills to tolerate stress. Another indication the client is making progress is when they improve boundary setting and communication within relationships.

Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy by increasing present awareness without judgment. It is also helpful to track emotions, urges, and behaviors in order to identify patterns and triggers.

To prepare for their first dialectical behavior session, an individual can begin by tracking emotions and behavioral concerns and reflect on what they may want to change or improve upon while they embark on the therapeutic journey.