Dialectical Behavior Therapy is based on the idea that some people are more prone than others to having intense emotional responses and consequently have less tolerance for distress. These individuals are quick to respond to stressful stimuli, have a larger than average response and are slow to return to baseline. DBT teaches skills that group members can use to change patterns of behavior and regain control of their lives.
DBT consists of individual weekly therapy as well as weekly group sessions. The Intensive Outpatient Program has sessions for 3 hours each over the treatment period which varies by patient. Once a patient has returned to baseline they may participate in a once per week booster group and 1:1 therapy.
DBT consists of 4 different modules: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Distress Tolerance and Emotion Regulation. Mindfulness is the Core of DBT and for this reason is reviewed weekly in THIRA Health IOP.
DBT will give you the skills you need to manage your emotions without engaging in problematic behaviors. In DBT, group therapy is like a class; the therapist teaches the skills and assigns homework to make sure you are incorporating these skills into your life. Research shows that skills training is the most important part of DBT.
