Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Cornelius, NC

Kathy: A go-to approach for helping people in dialectical behavior therapy is to work on normalizing their emotions and then learning new approaches to help clients solve their problems.

Amy : My go-to approach for helping people in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is to focus on problem-solving and identifying negative thought and behavior patterns. I find the best benefit in this because this allows the client to process feelings, learn to identify triggers, and focus on future goals. I also cater my approach to each client's needs, as every person is different.

Kathy: The following tools are taught in dialectical behavior therapy:

• Mindfulness - The ability to practice awareness of one's thoughts and feelings
• Distress Tolerance - To accept and understand the stress one experiences while staying away from unproductive coping behaviors
• Emotional Regulation - Identify feelings, work through them, and release them
• Internal Effectiveness - Improving relationships through assertive communication to increase expression of needs and feelings; learn how to have healthier relationships; and setting boundaries in them

Amy : "I teach the following tools in DBT:

• Psychoeducation: Providing information and support to clients and families regarding their diagnoses, symptoms, and coping skills.
• Assertiveness training: Teaching individuals to express their needs, wants, and feelings in a clear, respectful, and confident manner.
• Coping skills: Strategies to manage stressful or difficult situations, emotions, and thoughts.
• Mindfulness techniques: Meditation and deep breathing can help individuals to be more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and body responses.
• Emotion identification: Learning the ability to recognize and name the emotions that individuals are feeling.
• Emotion regulation: The ability to manage and respond (not react) to emotional experiences, both within oneself and in interpersonal situations.
• Distress tolerance: The ability to cope with difficult emotions and challenging situations without feeling overwhelmed or resorting to harmful behaviors.
• Interpersonal effectiveness skills: The skills used to navigate social interactions, build and maintain relationships, and achieve desired outcomes while respecting your own needs and values.

Kathy: A possible sign that a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy is reported increase of sense of satisfaction and meaningfulness in their view of life, themselves, and their relationships. Along with this, a client may report how they have consistently been applying the tools that have led to improved behaviors and relationships.

Amy : I know that a client is making meaningful progress when they report the improved use of positive skills, the self-management of symptoms, reaching their personal goals, and having decreased symptoms.

Kathy: Clients can use a DBT workbook, journal, read books, listen to videos, practice self-care, and practice the skills they have learned on a daily basis.

Amy : Clients can supplement their time in therapy through the use of mindfulness techniques, completing daily diary cards, increased socialization, open communication with their support system, and increased physical activity such as yoga.

Kathy: One can listen, do research on what to expect from DBT, and write a list of questions and topics they would like to discuss with therapist.

Amy : To prepare for your first therapy session, you can write notes that you would like to discuss, think of your goals for therapy, and try not to be nervous because I am here to help!