Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that aims to teach patients skills to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others. Originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder, it’s now used for various mental health disorders that threaten a person’s safety, relationships, work, and emotional well-being. At the Colorado Anxiety Treatment Center in Denver, Colorado, Charles D. Glass, Ph.D., can provide comprehensive DBT to help individuals achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.
Recognizing the Symptoms Addressed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy
DBT can be helpful for a range of mental health symptoms, such as:
- Extreme emotional swings
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Explosive anger
- Fear of abandonment
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- Impulsive behaviors
The Need for Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Mental Health Treatment
DBT addresses severe mental health conditions, particularly those characterized by harmful behaviors and intense emotional instability. It teaches coping mechanisms that help patients to manage negative emotions and impulses, promoting healthier ways of responding to stress and interacting with others.
DBT is particularly beneficial for individuals who haven’t responded to traditional therapies. It helps reduce self-destructive behaviors and encourages more positive and meaningful interactions. Moreover, DBT has been shown to reduce the rate of self-harm and suicide attempts among individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder and other severe mental health conditions.
Our Dialectical Behavior Therapy Approach at the Colorado Anxiety Treatment Center
Our approach to DBT includes the following steps:
- Comprehensive Assessment: We first conduct an in-depth evaluation of your symptoms and emotional struggles to develop a customized DBT treatment plan.
- Individual Therapy: Charles D. Glass, Ph.D., provides one-on-one therapy sessions where you’ll learn skills to manage emotional distress better and reduce harmful behaviors.
- Group Skills Training: We offer group sessions where patients learn and practice DBT skills together, fostering a supportive community environment.
- Therapist Consultation Team: Dr. Charles will regularly meet to discuss cases, ensuring the treatment provided is comprehensive and effective.
Preventing Relapse with Continued Dialectical Behavior Therapy Practice
Learning DBT skills is the first step to maintaining the gains achieved in therapy and preventing relapse. It’s essential to continue practicing these skills in your daily life. Regular use of DBT skills like mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness can help maintain emotional balance and prevent the recurrence of harmful behaviors.
This continuing practice involves a proactive approach to embedding the learned strategies into one’s daily routine, using them as your first line of defense against emotional triggers. Regularly applying DBT skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance will facilitate your resilience and stability growth. The ultimate goal is to help you maintain emotional balance, prevent the recurrence of harmful behaviors, and create a foundation for a healthier and happier life.
The Future with Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Achieving Emotional Balance
DBT equips individuals with practical skills to improve their emotional well-being and life satisfaction significantly. The journey through DBT can be challenging, but with persistence, support, and the right guidance, individuals can achieve a life of emotional balance and improved interpersonal relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder. Now, it’s used for various mental health conditions, especially those characterized by severe emotional instability. DBT teaches patients skills to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships.
What conditions can DBT treat?
While originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT has been adapted to treat various mental health disorders. These include but are not limited to mood disorders, self-harm behaviors, suicidal ideation, substance use disorder, and eating disorders.
How long does DBT treatment usually last?
The length of DBT treatment can vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and progress. However, a full course of DBT typically lasts about six months to one year. This includes weekly individual therapy sessions, group skills training, and as-needed coaching sessions.
Ready to Begin Your Dialectical Behavior Therapy Journey?
In taking that first step, remember you are not alone. The path to recovery may seem daunting, but with the right support and guidance, it is absolutely achievable. As you prepare to learn new skills and strategies through DBT, consider that each stride forward is a stride towards a future of greater stability, control, and happiness. So, make that call today to 303-893-0112, and let the Colorado Anxiety Treatment Center be your trusted partner on this transformative journey towards improved mental health and overall well-being. Your healthier future starts here.