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Discover how starting dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
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I prefer utilizing dialectical behavior therapy because it addresses a wide range of mental health concerns by teaching practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. I find there is a benefit to utilizing other therapies (CBT, REBT, ACT) in conjunction with DBT to better serve clients.
The DBT skills that I teach and work to implement in sessions include the following:
I know a client is making meaningful progress in DBT therapy when they demonstrate an improved ability to identify, label, and manage their emotions, as well as improvement in interpersonal relationships, with healthier boundaries and improved conflict resolution skills. The client will show improvements in regulating emotions and have improved impulse control. When implementing meditation, there will be enhanced feelings of being present in the here and now. With improvements in impulse control, awareness of feelings and emotions, and communication, the frequency of self-harm tends to decrease as well.
Clients can implement a regular exercise routine, develop and practice mindfulness meditation, implement boundaries, and practice regular self-care.
I would recommend that clients educate themselves on the basic tenets of DBT therapy. Work to clarify goals and set realistic expectations. I would also recommend complete honesty and transparency with your therapist to build trust and rapport.
At Thriveworks, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) primarily concentrates on assisting individuals in emotion regulation, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and acquiring effective coping strategies for managing stress and emotional difficulties.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) targets your personal challenges. You may work with your DBT therapist to maintain diary cards to monitor progress, emphasizing validation and support in the therapeutic relationship. DBT follows a stage-based approach, prioritizing crisis reduction initially and life satisfaction.
DBT was initially developed to address the needs of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, its versatile approach has enabled its application to a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, and anger issues.
The 4 pillars of DBT are mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have distinct purposes and aren’t inherently superior or inferior to one another. DBT is most effective for managing emotional regulation, personality disorders, and interpersonal challenges, while EMDR is specifically tailored for individuals with trauma-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with therapists at Thriveworks in Virginia Beach, VA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The duration of a standard DBT program is typically around 24 weeks, which is roughly six months. The actual number of sessions will vary depending on the issues you wish to address.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Friday | 8:00am - 9:00pm | |
Saturday | 8:00am - 9:00pm | |
Sunday | 8:00am - 9:00pm | |
Monday | 8:00am - 9:00pm | |
Tuesday | 8:00am - 9:00pm | |
Wednesday | 8:00am - 9:00pm | |
Thursday | 8:00am - 9:00pm |
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Friday | 8:00am - 9:30pm | |
Saturday | 8:00am - 6:00pm | |
Sunday | 8:00am - 6:00pm | |
Monday | 8:00am - 9:30pm | |
Tuesday | 8:00am - 9:30pm | |
Wednesday | 8:00am - 9:30pm | |
Thursday | 8:00am - 9:30pm |
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