Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Groups
Learn how to create a life worth living!
Skills learned in dialectical behavior therapy in individual and group settings foster the development of a more satisfying, worthwhile life – whatever that may mean to each individual.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
The term, "dialectic" comes from the works of several philosophers, which recognize that within opposites are points of agreement or balance. DBT helps to achieve this balance by accepting the validity of two opposites simultaneously. Solving the conflict between competing needs and urges is what DBT is all about.
In her practice at the University of Washington, psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan recognized standard therapies were not adequate to meet the needs of some individuals. Treatment focused purely on the need to change presented the very painful challenge to consumers to tolerate that they or their actions are responsible for all their problems. A unique feature of DBT is to incorporate the "dialectic" of helping people to radically accept the reality of their lives on one hand, while encouraging them to learn to change problematic behaviors on the other.
For example, Dr. Linehan has said, "You are a perfect you and doing the best you can." At the same time, "Life as you are living it hurts, so you need to change."
Acceptance is also expressed via the assumption that "You may not have caused all your problems, but you have to solve them anyway." As Dr. Linehan put it, "If you don’t accept that your tire is flat, you’re not going to be able to change it."
This program aims to help people improve their lives by acceptance of any limitation (medical disabilities, emotional instability or imperfections in relationships), finding enjoyment in life choices and development of skills that allow them to stop being controlled by strong emotions. DBT is based on the belief that everyone can build a "life worth living."
About Our DBT Groups
DBT Skills Training is presented in four modules:
Core Mindfulness is the foundation and incorporated in the other three.
Next is Interpersonal Effectiveness which focuses on improving interactions with others and gaining confidence about when to say yes or no.
Emotion Regulation provides skills to "control your emotions instead of letting them control you." Yet, there are times when it is not possible to sufficiently reduce or eliminate distress.
That is when the skills of Distress Tolerance may provide emotional relief.
Where Can I Find a DBT Group?
FBR is proud to offer the specialized treatment of DBT Skills in our outpatient mental health clinics. The strategies of DBT are taught in a small group setting, focused on skills effectiveness, in addition to the continuance of individual therapy to process personal issues.
Are you ready to take the first step towards your wellness and recovery? Call one of the outpatient clinics at FBR to learn more.
