Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Nottingham, MD

Helping people in dialectical behavior therapy requires helping the clients focus on changing unhealthy behaviors and thinking patterns while also learning to regulate emotions that have triggered negative behaviors in the past. I find the best benefit in allowing the clients to learn not to label their emotions or behaviors and begin focusing on accepting the role emotions and behaviors have played in their lives. DBT is about helping the client become more mindful of their emotions and behaviors and teaching them healthier ways of coping with uncomfortable emotions.

During the dialectical behavior therapy process, the client will be able to work on learning emotional regulation strategies and address cognitive restructuring while also being able to focus on mindfulness strategies to help regulate their emotions during times of emotional distress.

I know a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy when there is a reduction in reports of the use of negative or harmful coping strategies, reduced episodes of emotional dysregulation, as well reports of more frequent self-awareness regarding emotional regulation.

Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy with activities that help calm themselves, creative outlets if they enjoy them, as well as journaling as an activity to help work on self-awareness during times of emotional overwhelm.

To prepare for their first dialectical behavior therapy session, an individual can begin to think about what behaviors they are currently using to help themselves during emotionally overwhelming times. Thinking about what negative or harmful coping strategies that they have used in the past along with what they hope to get out of treatment are all things that can help prepare them for their initial session.