Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive behavioral treatment created by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the 1970s. It has historically been known as treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and has been found to be an effective treatment for disorders for substance dependence, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, eating disorders and a variety of mood disorders.
DBT is a structured program that requires an individual to participate in both individual therapy and skills group. The skills group focuses building tools to manage thoughts, regulate emotions, decrease impulsive behaviors, accepting reality and increase interpersonal effectiveness. The therapy is structured and organizes the treatment into targets. The first stage of treatment focuses on life threatening behaviors, therapy interfering behaviors, decreasing behaviors that interfere with your quality of life, and increasing effective coping skills. Stage Two focuses on experiencing emotions more fully. This is when PTSD is treated if it is a problem for the client. Stage three focuses on solving ordinary life problems, building self-respect, and finding peace and happiness. Stage four focuses on moving towards a feeling of completeness.