Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

DBT, dialectical behavior therapy, was developed in late 1980. It was originally used to treat borderline personality disorder, but now it is used for treating other mental health disorders. Dialectical behavior therapy is a cognitive-behavioral approach focusing on the psychosocial aspects of treatment. The goal of DBT is to transform negative thinking patterns and destructive behavior into positive outcomes. The effectiveness of DBT can help people diagnosed with eating disorders, anxiety, stress and depression.

Theory behind DBT

People who suffer from mental illnesses like borderline personality disorder often have intense, abnormal reactions to certain emotional situations. These types of situations can be found in romantic relationships, families and friendships. DBT suggests that some individuals’ arousal levels in specific situations can increase faster than the average person’s. They will also experience higher levels of emotional stimulation and take more time to return to standard arousal levels.

What is involved in DBT?

Dialectical behavioral therapy is support-oriented, which allows people to identify their strengths and build on them, creating better self-esteem and a more positive outlook on life. It is also cognitive-based in order to identify thoughts, beliefs and assumptions that make life harder. This will help patients transform thoughts about perfectionism and low self-worth. DBT constantly focuses on relationships between clients and staff, allowing people to work out problems in their relationships with the therapist.

Contact Us

At the CERTS group, we’ll help your daughter cope with anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders and other issues through DBT-based residential treatment programs. We also combine traditional talk therapy with experiential therapies (equine assisted psychotherapy, art therapy, adventure therapy, music therapy) to achieve a resilient, influential change.