Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the treatment most closely associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Therapists practice DBT in both individual and group sessions. The therapy combines elements of CBT to help regulate emotion through distress tolerance and mindfulness. Dialectical Behavior Therapy aims to alleviate the intense emotional pain associated with BPD.

The team of professionals at Guided Grace, Family and Youth Services offers a wide range of therapeutic services for patients of all ages. We want to help our patients achieve optimal mental health by providing a therapy plan best suited to their needs. Our specialists can determine which method offers you the most benefit and gives you the best chance of success.

Speak with a member of our team to take the first step towards better mental health and quality of life!

What Conditions Does DBT Treat?

Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder are the best candidates for Dialectical Therapy. Patients with BPD may experience bursts of anger, sudden mood swings, and be highly sensitive to rejection. They will likely experience instability in their moods, behavior, self-image, thinking, and relationships. Those with BPD may exhibit impulsive behaviors such as substance abuse, risky sex, and self-harm. DBT has been shown to be effective in treating borderline personality disorder, showing improvements such as:

• Less frequent suicidal behavior
• Shorter hospitalizations
• Less anger
• More likely to continue treatment
• Improved social skills

How Does Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Work?

DBT helps by treating self-destructive behavior first, like suicide attempts or self-harm. Once those have been addressed, quality-of-life skills, such as emotion regulation and communication, can be improved. The program continues to build on that foundation, ultimately focusing on enhancing relationships, self-esteem and encouraging social connections with others.

DBT focuses on four areas that ultimately enhance life skills and the ability to cope:

Distress tolerance
This teaches you how to separate emotions and responses – feeling anger without the outburst.

Emotional regulation:
This involves recognizing, identifying, controlling, and adjusting emotions.

Mindfulness:
Becoming more present at the moment – improved self-awareness.

Interpersonal effectiveness:
Learn to handle conflicts appropriately.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Services Available in Saginaw Michigan

If you or a loved one are going through difficult times, whether they have been brought on by traumatic life events or mental illness, reach out to the specialists at Guided Grace Family and Youth Services. Our team of industry-leading professional therapists has managed and treated patients with a diverse range of conditions.

Call our offices to speak with a member of our team or schedule a consultation online today!