Managing difficult emotions isn’t always easy, especially if you experience feelings intensely. However, being unable to cope with the challenges life throws at you can affect your mental health, relationships, and ability to work.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is geared toward people with intense emotions. It can help manage various mental health conditions, relieve uncomfortable symptoms, and improve quality of life.
At Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic in Aurora, Colorado, our psychotherapist uses DBT to treat borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and more. In this blog, we explain why DBT is so effective at managing these and other mental health conditions.
DBT is a type of talk therapy. It teaches you how to live in the moment, manage stress healthily, and better regulate your emotions.
DBT was developed in the 1970s by Marsha Linehan, an American psychologist. At first, it was used to treat only borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it’s now prescribed for several mental health conditions that affect emotional regulation.
Our psychotherapist uses DBT to treat several behavioral health conditions, including:
Many of these conditions are thought to result from efforts to regulate intense or negative emotions. DBT is effective because it teaches you how to cope in positive, healthy ways.
At Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic, DBT begins with a patient pre-assessment.
During the pre-assessment, your provider asks questions and explains how DBT works. Answer each question honestly. Your responses help your provider determine whether DBT or another type of therapy is right for you.
If they determine you’re a candidate for DBT, they schedule weekly therapy sessions. Each DBT session lasts 40-60 minutes.
During each visit, your therapist teaches you how to limit unhealthy habits and behaviors. They also help you reach your goals by identifying obstacles blocking your progress.
Your therapist tailors treatment to your individual needs, but DBT often focuses on four specific skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation.
Honing these skills makes it easier to manage difficult emotions and focus on the present instead of worrying about the past or future.
Enrolling in DBT provides various benefits, including:
Achieving these results requires hard work and dedication. Fully committing to therapy and completing homework assignments can speed up your progress.
DBT isn’t a miracle cure, and results don’t happen overnight. It typically takes six months to a year to experience a noticeable difference in your mood, outlook, and behavior.* Be patient, follow your provider’s instructions, and attend all scheduled appointments.
Ready to improve your mental health? To schedule a consultation at Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic, call our office at 303-351-1800 or book online today.
*Individual results may vary.
