Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Overview

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy for people who experience emotions very intensely. It is a common therapy for people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but therapists provide it for other mental health conditions, as well.

DBT is an evidence-based treatment approach based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that has shown to be helpful in reducing suicidal behavior, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), psychiatric hospitalizations, substance use, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation.

“Dialectical” means combining opposite ideas. DBT focuses on helping people accept the reality of their lives and their behaviors, as well as helping them learn to change their lives, including their unhelpful behaviors.