DBT is a comprehensive treatment for people who struggle to manage their highly sensitive emotions. DBT integrates change-based strategies (e.g., problem solving, skills training, behaviorism, exposure, behavioral activation) with acceptance based strategies (e.g., warmth, acceptance, support, validation, mindfulness). DBT includes individual therapy, skills training (usually in a group format), 24/7 phone coaching, and support for the therapist in a DBT consultation team. To learn more about DBT, visit Behavioral Tech or check out our resources page. 

DBT is a treatment for emotion dysregulation. “Emotion dysregulation” refers to emotions that are out-of-control. How do emotions get to be out-of-control? Typically this results from either quick changes in emotion (i.e., from happy to intensely angry to intensely sad, back to happy again) – or a lasting negative emotional state, such as depression (Rathus & Miller, 2014). Both of these types of emotional experiences can lead to emotions being “in the driver’s seat” (i.e., determining the person’s actions), without much consideration for other things, such as long-term goals, problem solving, or potential down sides of acting on the emotions.