How Dialectical Behavior Therapy Works at THIRA Health
Anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and thoughts of suicide or self-harm are afflictions that all too many women face alone. If you’re wary about seeking treatment or unsure where to go, THIRA Health can guide you and provide support at each step of the way so you can make decisions about your health with confidence and understanding.
To speak with one of our intake specialists, call 425.454.1199, email info@thirahealth.com, or fill out one of our convenient forms below.
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Focusing on
How things are learned
Behavior therapy is based on the study of how things are learned.
- It focuses on bringing about change by helping people learn new ways of coping.
- It focuses on specific goals that can be realistically attained.
- DBT, and other behavior therapies, emphasize making change through practicing new skills to change how you think, act and feel.
- In this way DBT is more of a “doing” rather than a “talking” therapy.
Inclusive assumptions as DBT is used
DBT Assumptions About Patients | • Patients in DBT have lives that are unbearable as they are currently being lived. • Patients in DBT are doing the best they can. • Patients in DBT want to improve. • Patients in DBT need to do better, work harder, and be more motivated to change. • Patients in DBT must learn and practice new behaviors in all areas of their lives. • Patients do not fail at DBT. | |
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DBT Assumptions about Therapy | • The most caring thing a DBT therapist can do is help patients change in ways that bring them closer to their own ultimate goals. • Clarity, precision, and compassion are of the utmost importance for therapists when conducting DBT. • The therapeutic relationship is a real relationship between equals: one who is expert on change and one who is expert on themselves. • Principles of behavior are universal, affecting therapists no less than patients. • DBT therapists need support and work collaboratively as part of the treatment team. • DBT therapists can fail. • DBT can fail even when therapists do not. | |
DBT Therapists | • Make every reasonable effort to conduct competent and effective therapy and strive to excel in helping their patients. • Obey standard ethical and professional guidelines. • Respect the integrity and rights of the patient. • Maintain confidentiality except when a violation is needed to prevent harm to the patient or others. • Obtain consultation when needed. | |
DBT in THIRA IOP Includes:
Individual Therapy: 1x/week
Problem-solving therapy focused on identifying desired areas for change, specific problem behaviors, individual goals, and building a “Life Worth Living.”
DBT Skills Training Groups: 3x/week (EIOP), 5x/week (MIOP)
A structured skills training group that teaches essential strategies for regulating emotions, tolerating distress, increasing mindfulness, and being more effective in interpersonal communication.
DBT Phone Coaching & Consultation
Receive phone support and coaching from your therapist between sessions (during business hours) to encourage the practice of skillful behaviors in the context of “real-life.” Availability contingent upon therapist schedule.
DBT Consultation Team for therapists
The therapy team meets weekly to assist each other in providing effective and compassionate treatment, drawing from the combined experience of collaborative experts.
DBT in THIRA PHP Includes:
Individual Therapy: 1x/week
Problem-solving therapy focused on identifying desired areas for change, specific problem behaviors, individual goals, and building a “Life Worth Living.”
DBT Skills Training Groups: 2-3x/day
A structured skills training group teaching essential strategies for regulating emotions, tolerating distress, increasing mindfulness, and being more effective in interpersonal communication.
PHP Milieu Coaching: as needed
Receive support and coaching on skills use from clinical staff to encourage the practice of new behaviors in the context of “real-life.”
DBT Consultation Team for therapists
The therapy team meets weekly to assist each other in providing effective and compassionate treatment, drawing from the combined experience of collaborative experts.
