Problematic behaviors evolve as a way to cope with a situation or attempt to solve a problem. While these behaviors might provide temporary relief, they often are not effective in the long-term. Dialectical Behavior Therapy assumes that clients are doing the best they can, AND they need to learn new behaviors in all relevant contexts.
Individual Skills Training
The function of DBT Skills is to help enhance a client’s capabilities. There are four skills taught in DBT:
Mindfulness
The practice of being fully aware and present in this one moment
Distress Tolerance
How to tolerate pain in difficult situations, not change it
Interpersonal Effectiveness
How to ask for what you want and say no while maintaining self-respect and relationships with others
Emotion Regulation
How to change emotions that you want to change
Our Approach to DBT
At this time, we offer what is known as DBT-Informed Treatment. It is important to note that we do not currently offer this model in its full intended essence. Full DBT treatment includes individual therapy, group therapy, phone coaching, and parent groups. We only currently offer individual and family support for DBT clients.
We know that DBT is often a recommendation made to benefit a wide array of clients. We approach DBT treatment through an assessment and motivational interviewing lens. We ensure that if we are utilizing a DBT informed approach, the client first focuses on safety and stabilization, develops and follows safety planning, and is motivated and committed to address identified problem behaviors.
We also acknowledge that anyone with a history of trauma and/or self-harm/suicidal ideation may be recommended to receive DBT treatment. We use an integrative approach to trauma and DBT informed therapy for this type of work.
If you are seeking a comprehensive DBT program and you are being discharged from an inpatient or partial hospitalization program, we may not be able to support DBT community based support at this time. We know that common recommendations, post discharge, are intensive DBT services. We are not able to accommodate 2x weekly or intensive DBT supports at this time.