DBT is a specific and intensive therapy program designed by Marsha Linehan to treat individuals with significant emotion dysregulation. Clinicians at The Therapy Centre offer DBT informed therapy.
The main goal of DBT is to build a life worth living. This therapy combines dialectics and behaviourism to support clients. The concept of dialectics is that two supposedly opposing things can be true at the same time. One of the most common dialectics in DBT is balancing acceptance and change. For example, the idea that you are currently doing the best you can and you can do better. In DBT, therapists and clients are in an equal relationship and work together as a team to make therapy effective.
DBT helps people understand how emotion dysregulation is present in various areas of their lives, such as self-concept, relationships, health, etc. Common behaviour targets in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) are suicidal ideation and behaviours, self-harm, substance use, disordered eating, and risky behaviours (e.g., driving under the influence of alcohol or risky sexual behaviours). DBT is also an evidence based treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder.