Build Resilience and Emotional Strength with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Experience positive change with Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Dr. Lewis’s clinic. We’re here to support you in managing emotions, building stronger relationships, and creating a fulfilling life.
A Path to Emotional Freedom
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of psychotherapy that supports individuals who struggle with managing emotions or engaging in self-destructive behaviors. This structured, evidence-based therapy offers practical skills to help you navigate emotions, improve relationships, and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Core Principles of DBT
- Mindfulness: DBT emphasizes being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
- Distress Tolerance: DBT teaches skills to cope with difficult emotions and situations without making them worse.
- Emotion Regulation: DBT helps you understand your emotions, reduce their intensity, and manage them more effectively.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: DBT teaches skills to communicate assertively, maintain healthy relationships, and set boundaries.
The ``Dialectical`` Part
The term “dialectical” refers to the idea of balancing acceptance and change. DBT therapists work to:
- Accept you as you are and validate your experiences.
- Encourage you to make positive changes in your life.
This balance helps people feel understood and supported while also motivating them to work towards their goals.
How DBT is Used in Therapies
DBT typically involves a combination of:
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with a therapist to address personal issues and work on skill development.
- Skills Training Groups: Group sessions where clients learn and practice DBT skills, such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Phone Coaching: Brief phone calls with the therapist between sessions to provide support and guidance in applying skills to real-life situations.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a powerful tool for addressing a range of mental health challenges, particularly for those who struggle with emotional dysregulation, especially in situations where emotions feel overwhelming or intense.
DBT Helps individuals with:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): DBT was originally developed for BPD and remains a first-line treatment. It helps individuals with BPD manage intense mood swings, impulsivity, and interpersonal difficulties.
- Depression and Anxiety: DBT skills can help individuals regulate emotions that contribute to depression and anxiety, such as sadness, worry, and fear.
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): DBT can assist in managing the emotional distress, hypervigilance, and reactivity often experienced by those with PTSD.
- Eating Disorders: DBT can help individuals with eating disorders manage emotional triggers that contribute to harmful eating patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
- Substance Use Disorders: DBT can help individuals manage cravings, emotional triggers for substance use, and develop skills for maintaining sobriety.
- Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts: DBT provides skills for managing intense emotions and urges that can lead to self-harm or suicidal behavior.
Benefits of DBT Programs
Experience emotions without feeling overwhelmed.
Enhance communication and interpersonal effectiveness.
Coping mechanisms for managing urges and preventing crises.
Practical tools for navigating life’s challenges.
Present moment awareness and acceptance.
The DBT Difference at Dr. Lewis’s Clinic
Integration with Precision Mental Health
Our unique approach combines traditional DBT with Dr. Lewis’s expertise in:
- Functional medicine insights
- Nutritional support
- Mind-body techniques
- Advanced therapeutic tools
- Holistic healing practices
Personalized Treatment Plans
We adapt DBT to your specific needs through:
- Comprehensive initial assessment
- Custom skill development plans
- Progress tracking
- Treatment adjustments as needed
- Integration with other therapies when beneficial
Your DBT Journey
- Meet with our team
- Share your story
- Discuss your goals
- Learn about our approach
- Create your treatment plan
Treatment Options at Dr. Lewis’s Clinic
Experience the power of direct connection at our clinic:
- Face-to-face sessions with our expert team
- Immersive group skill-building experiences
- Dedicated therapeutic environment
- Strong community support
- Direct hands-on guidance
Access our comprehensive program from anywhere:
- Secure video sessions
- Interactive skills training
- Digital resources and tools
- Flexible scheduling
- Same expert care as in-person
Create the perfect blend for your needs:
- Combine online and in-person sessions
- Adjust based on your schedule
- Maintain consistency in care
- Access support in multiple formats
- Maximum flexibility
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and why is it so effective?
DBT is a type of therapy designed to help people develop skills to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and tolerate distress. Unlike other therapies, DBT views emotional struggles as skill deficits rather than personal flaws, and it focuses on teaching practical tools to build those skills. Research shows DBT is particularly effective for self-harm, suicidality, and conditions like borderline personality disorder.
What makes DBT unique compared to other therapies?
DBT emphasizes both acceptance and change, helping you accept where you are while giving you the tools to improve. It’s also highly structured, focusing on four core areas: emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. This approach has been shown to reduce self-destructive behaviors, improve emotional control, and enhance overall mental well-being.
Is DBT effective for anxiety and depression?
Absolutely! DBT teaches skills to manage overwhelming emotions, like those seen in anxiety and depression. For example, distress tolerance skills help you handle tough moments without becoming overwhelmed, while mindfulness helps you stay grounded and reduce racing thoughts.
How does DBT help with self-harm and suicidality?
DBT was originally developed to help people struggling with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. By teaching strategies to tolerate distress and regulate emotions, DBT helps individuals replace harmful behaviors with healthier coping mechanisms. Studies show it significantly reduces the risk of self-harm and suicide attempts.
What’s included in an online DBT program?
An online DBT program typically includes:
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions to address your unique challenges.
- Skills Training Groups: Learn and practice DBT skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation.
- Homework Assignments: Practice skills in real-life situations.
- Crisis Coaching: Access to support between sessions when you need help using your skills.
How long does DBT take to work?
DBT programs typically last 6–12 months, but many people start noticing improvements within the first few weeks. The structured approach ensures steady progress as you build and strengthen new skills.
Is there research backing DBT’s effectiveness?
Yes! Decades of research have shown DBT to be highly effective for a range of conditions. For example, studies have found that DBT can reduce self-harm behaviors by 50% and improve emotional regulation in individuals with borderline personality disorder, anxiety, and depression.
What are the benefits of online DBT therapy?
Online DBT therapy offers flexibility and accessibility. You can attend sessions from the comfort of your home, making it easier to fit therapy into your schedule. Plus, many people find it less intimidating than meeting in person, which can help them open up more easily.
How does online DBT compare to in-person therapy?
Both formats use the same core principles and methods, but online therapy offers added convenience. It’s ideal if you have a busy schedule, live in a remote area, or prefer the comfort of your own space.
Can DBT help me if I don’t have borderline personality disorder?
Absolutely. While DBT was initially developed for borderline personality disorder, it’s also effective for anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and more. Its focus on building skills makes it versatile and helpful for anyone struggling with emotional challenges.
How do I start an online DBT program?
Getting started is easy! Schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and see if DBT is the right fit for you. From there, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you build the skills you need for lasting change.
Are online DBT therapy programs covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your insurance provider and plan. Our intake team will help with figuring out coverage for out of network care.
Take the First Step
Ready to start your DBT journey? Schedule a consultation today and discover how our DBT can make a difference.