Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Individuals who:

↪ Have intense fears of real or imagined abandonment

↪ Experience chaotic relationships

↪ Have unstable self-image, self-confidence, and self-esteem

↪ Act with impulsive behaviors in at least two areas which can be self-damaging

↪ Exhibit suicidal gestures

↪ Have unstable moods and emotions which are unpredictable and difficult to manage

↪ Engage in deliberate self-harm behavior

↪ Have chronic feelings of emptiness

↪ Exhibit anger management problems, both with expressing and controlling anger

↪ Experience ongoing struggle with handling everyday stress

↪ Have difficulty moving on from past experiences

Create a life for the client that is worth living
Eliminate life-threatening behaviors (suicidal and self-injurious behavior)
Eliminate therapy-interfering behaviors (late or missed attendance, non-completion of homework)
Decrease quality-of-life-interfering behaviors (depression, anxiety, anger, relationship problems, impulsive behavior, risky behavior, missed school or work, disordered eating, substance abuse)
Apply problem-solving and new coping skills to recent and current difficulties

Be fully aware of the present moment without judgment and to participate in life more fully (Mindfulness)
Make it through crises without making things worse (Distress Tolerance)
Effectively manage emotions in ways that don’t cause additional problems (Emotion Regulation)
Effectively manage relationships with others, accomplish goals, and maintain self-respect (Interpersonal Effectiveness)
Apply validation and behavioral principles to oneself and others (Walking the Middle Path)

Components of DBT