Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Tampa, FL

My go-to approach for helping people in dialectical behavior therapy is to help them develop skills for managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are interfering with their ability to function well daily. One of the most valuable benefits of DBT is developing the ability to experience discomfort without reacting to it. Most of the time in our daily lives, responding offers a better outcome than reacting. DBT teaches skills that allow a person to respond in the moment rather than react. It is a process that requires imaginal practice and real-time application.

DBT is based on cognitive behavioral therapy with the addition of many specific skills to help people remain in the present moment rather than dwelling on past hurtful experiences or mistakes. It also helps people not live in the future which often brings on additional anxiety and stress over situations that likely will not play out according to their thoughts. The skills I teach in dialectical behavioral therapy include:

• Skills to manage crises, to tolerate frustration and distress, and to learn acceptance
• Skills to strengthen focusing on the present through mindful awareness
• Skills for improving interpersonal relationships
• Skills to regulate emotions

I know a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy when they relay experiences where they applied the skills they learned and felt better about how they handled themselves. Success does not mean perfection. Success is making positive changes and seeing progress.

Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy by reviewing the skills learned in therapy, then hypothetically rehearsing the skills, and then actually applying the skills in everyday life. I have resources I make available to my clients so they can continue strengthening skills between sessions and enjoying positive changes more readily than by not practicing outside of sessions.

To prepare for the first dialectical behavior therapy session, make a commitment to invest in yourself and your mental health. Be aware that between-session practicing is essential to internalize skills and improve your functioning. Once you have learned the skills, they are yours to use and keep forever. They do not require a prescription or a refill. Skills take longer to effect positive mood changes, but the skills have been proved effective.