Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, specifically designed to treat individuals with significant emotional dysregulation, such as those with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It combines behavioral science, dialectical philosophy, and mindfulness practices.
Key Points:
- Core Modules:
- Mindfulness: Focusing on the present moment, nonjudgmentally.
- Distress Tolerance: Coping with emotional pain in healthy ways.
- Emotion Regulation: Identifying and managing intense emotions.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Maintaining respectful relationships and setting boundaries.
- Applications: Beyond BPD, DBT has been adapted for eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, PTSD, and more.
- Structure: Often includes weekly individual therapy, group skills training, and between-session coaching for crisis moments.
