What is DBT?

 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based form of cognitive-behavioral therapy originally developed by Marsha M. Linehan, PhD, in the late 1980s for individuals with chronic suicidal thoughts and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Since then, it has been adapted to treat a wide range of conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, and substance use disorders.The term dialectical refers to the integration of opposites—most importantly, balancing acceptance and change. DBT emphasizes validating an individual’s experiences while also encouraging skills to modify behaviors and improve quality of life.

 

Core Components of DBT

DBT has four primary modes of treatment delivery:

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• Individual Therapy – Weekly one-on-one sessions to target problem behaviors and apply DBT skills.

• Skills Training Groups – Usually held weekly in a group format, teaching practical skills in four modules:

  • Mindfulness: Focusing attention on the present moment with nonjudgmental awareness.

  • Distress Tolerance: Building coping strategies to survive emotional crises without making the situation worse.

  • Emotion Regulation: Identifying, understanding, and managing emotions more effectively.

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: Strengthening communication, assertiveness, and relationship skills.