Dialectical Behavioral Therapy New York

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is an evidence-based approach that evolved from the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy framework. Initially developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., for the treatment of suicidal and self-injurious associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), DBT has been adopted for treatment of anger management, relationship conflicts, eating disorders, and substance use. Most broadly, DBT helps adults and adolescents manage intense and difficult emotions. Mindfulness skills are effective in treating anxiety disorders.

In other words, Dialectical behavioral therapy works for crisis management and emotional regulation. Think of times when you felt extreme waves of emotions that were just so difficult that it left you feeling helpless: there are tools for that! Relational conflicts involve communication skills and asserting your own needs: DBT has skills for that!

The four main therapy modules are:

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Core Mindfulness

Being present in the moment and not ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness suggests awareness of what is. “Observe, describe and participate” encourages being an active participants in the present moment. “Non judgmentally, one mindfully” suggest engaging in one activity or thought at a time.

Mindfulness skills also teaches balance and “riding the wave of emotions”. States of mind include rational mind (logic, reason), emotional mind (perceiving through emotional lens) and lastly, wise mind (blend of the two).

Emotion Regulation

Learning how to balance your emotions by separating yourself from the emotional experience. When you feel something acutely and strongly and perceive everything through that emotion. Imagine yourself having a really bad day where you feel extremely anxious or sad or frustrated: walking through the day to day tasks may trigger even more layers of frustration. When you feel angry than you will interpret other situations in such a way that will frustrate and anger you more! We can teach you to balance and regulate the highs of difficult emotions.

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Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills

Learning skills to effectively communicate and relate to others as well as getting your needs met. This skill is frequently used in any assertive communication problem solving lessons: the lessons include saying no/boundary setting, assertively asking for what one needs and conflict resolving.

Imagine being able to communicate your needs in such a way that your needs are actually met! Most tend to avoid confrontation because of fears around conflict; however, conflict and differences in opinions don’t have to evolve into fights. It’s important to communicate our needs because communication is the foundation of any relationship. Also, your needs matter!

Impersonal skills also include setting boundaries/saying NO! Lastly, DBT skills can teach you to feel more fulfilled in your relationships.

Distress Tolerance

Specific tools to help cope during a distressing moment or personal crisis. An appropriate alternative to self harming behaviors such as substance use, cutting, etc.

Crisis management and strategies to help cope. Sometimes chaos happens in our lives leaving us feeling broken into little shards of what we were. Putting the pieces back together may feel impossible. Sometimes certain situations involve a period in your life that is unavoidable: “The only way out is through”.

There are skills and strategies to help get through the darkest and scariest moments until things feel more settled.

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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy New York