Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Finding Balance Through Skills and Support
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help people manage overwhelming emotions, improve relationships, and build resilience. At Community Minds, our DBT-trained providers support individuals with practical skills to create balance between acceptance and change.
What Is DBT?
DBT was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), but today it is widely used for a range of mental health conditions. The therapy combines mindfulness, behavioral strategies, and skills training to help individuals:
- Recognize negative or distorted thought patterns.
- Understand how those thoughts affect emotions and behaviors.
- Practice new skills and coping strategies to improve daily life.
DBT is structured, skill-focused, and often combines individual therapy, group skills training, and between-session support.
What Conditions Can DBT Help With?
DBT has proven effective for:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Self-harm behaviors
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Substance use concerns
- Eating disorders
- Impulse-control issues
Core Components of DBT
DBT is built on four main skill areas that patients practice and apply in real life:
- Mindfulness – Staying present in the moment with awareness and acceptance.
- Distress Tolerance – Building healthy coping strategies to get through crises without making them worse.
- Emotion Regulation – Learning to recognize, understand, and manage intense feelings.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness –Communicating more effectively and maintaining healthier relationships.
Benefits of DBT
- Practical coping skills for daily life challenges.
- Improved emotional balance and reduced impulsivity.
- Healthier relationships through better communication.
- Greater resilience in times of stress or crisis.
- Evidence-based results with decades of proven success.
What to Expect in DBT
A DBT program typically includes:
- Weekly individual therapy focused on personal goals and challenges.
- Group skills training sessions to learn and practice DBT skills.
- Homework and exercises to apply skills in everyday situations.
- Coaching between sessions (in some programs) to support real-time problem solving.
- Evidence-based results with decades of proven success.
FAQs about DBT
How is DBT different from CBT?
While CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors, DBT emphasizes balancing acceptance with change. It adds mindfulness and emotion-regulation skills to help with intense emotions.
Is DBT only for borderline personality disorder?
No. DBT is effective for BPD but also helps with depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, eating disorders, and more.
How long does DBT take?
Many DBT programs run for about 6 months to a year, though this varies depending on your needs and goals.
Do I need to attend both individual and group sessions?
Yes, DBT works best when both formats are combined—individual therapy for personal guidance and group sessions for skill-building.
Can DBT be done virtually?
Yes. We offer both in-person and virtual DBT sessions to ensure flexibility and accessibility.
Book an Appointment
Start your journey toward balance and emotional strength today. With same-day bookings and no waitlists, our DBT-trained providers are here to support you with skills that last a lifetime.