dbt therapy AT thrive
sherwood park & edmonton, alberta
what is dbt therapy?
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is a type of psychotherapy that was originally developed in the 1980s by psychologist Marsha Linehan. It was specifically designed to treat individuals who struggle with intense emotions and may engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as self-harm or suicidal ideation.
DBT therapy is based on the idea of dialectics, which refers to the concept that opposing ideas can both be true at the same time. In DBT therapy, this means that the therapist and patient work together to find a balance between accepting the patient's current situation and helping them make positive changes.
DBT therapy typically involves individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, and phone coaching. It focuses on four main areas:
1. Mindfulness: The ability to be fully present and aware of one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the present moment.
2. Emotion Regulation: The ability to manage and regulate intense emotions in a healthy way, without turning to self-destructive behaviors.
3. Distress Tolerance: The ability to tolerate and cope with distressing situations without resorting to harmful behaviors.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: The ability to communicate effectively, set boundaries, and build healthy relationships.
DBT therapy has been found to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders. It can help individuals develop coping skills and strategies to manage intense emotions and improve their overall quality of life.
HOW CAN DBT THERAPY HELP MY TEEN OR CHILD?
DBT therapy can be helpful for teenagers who struggle with intense emotions, self-destructive behaviors, and difficulty regulating their emotions. Here are some ways that DBT therapy can help a teen:
1. Improve emotional regulation: DBT therapy can teach teens skills for identifying, regulating, and expressing their emotions in a healthy way. This can help reduce mood swings, impulsive behaviors, and other negative outcomes related to intense emotions.
2. Reduce self-destructive behaviors: DBT therapy can help teens develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce self-destructive behaviors, such as self-harm, substance abuse, and risky sexual behavior.
3. Improve communication and relationships: DBT therapy can help teens improve their communication skills and develop healthier relationships with peers, family members, and other important people in their lives.
4. Develop coping strategies: DBT therapy can teach teens a variety of coping strategies to deal with stress, distressing situations, and difficult emotions. This can include mindfulness techniques, relaxation exercises, and other stress-reduction strategies.
5. Increase self-esteem and confidence: DBT therapy can help teens develop a more positive self-image and increase their self-esteem by addressing negative beliefs and emotions related to past traumas or other experiences.
Overall, DBT therapy can help teenagers develop healthy coping skills and strategies to manage intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, improve relationships, and improve their overall quality of life.