Columbia Associates is dedicated to supporting your mental health. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to reach out for immediate support through your local crisis services by dialing 988, contacting your local emergency services, or visiting your local emergency room. 

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an approach to mental health care that offers hope and healing for people facing complex challenges, such as severe emotional dysregulation due to borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT is also commonly used to treat clients who experience chronic suicidal ideation, self-harm behaviors, or intense emotional reactions that interfere with daily life.

At Columbia Associates, we are dedicated to providing expert mental health therapy services that incorporate DBT to enhance our clients’ well-being and quality of life. To learn more about our mental health therapy services, call 703.682.8208 today.

What Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy Involve?

DBT is a structured form of therapy designed to treat individuals with severe emotional dysregulation. This means that someone may find it exceedingly difficult to control their emotions—leading to impulsivity, mood swings, and inability to maintain relationships. DBT is an approach to therapy that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices, setting it apart from other therapeutic methods. DBT’s foundational principles focus on helping clients accept their circumstances as they develop the skills needed to manage their emotions and behaviors effectively.

Key DBT Techniques

There are several components involved in DBT, and each technique is designed to target a different symptom that clients are experiencing.

• Mindfulness – This technique encourages clients to stay present and fully aware of their thoughts and feelings without judgment. By fostering mindfulness, individuals learn to observe their experiences, reducing impulsivity and enhancing emotional regulation.
• Distress tolerance – DBT provides skills to help clients manage and tolerate painful emotions without resorting to harmful behaviors. These skills are crucial for navigating crises and maintaining stability during challenging times.
• Emotion regulation – Learn strategies to help understand, reduce, and change intense emotions that are overwhelming or destructive. Clients learn to identify and label their emotions accurately, fostering healthier emotional responses.
• Interpersonal effectiveness – This technique focuses on improving communication and relationship skills. Clients learn how to assert their needs, set boundaries, and maintain positive relationships, contributing to overall mental health stability.

Each of these aspects of DBT contribute to the overall successfulness of this treatment approach, and are vital to progress of the client.

How Is DBT Implemented?

Dialectical behavior therapy is delivered through a combination of individual and group therapy sessions. This dual approach ensures that clients receive both personalized attention and can also benefit from the support of others experiencing similar mental health concerns:

• Individual therapy – In these one-on-one sessions, clients work with a therapist to address personal challenges, set goals, and apply DBT skills to their specific situations. The therapist provides personalized support and guidance.
• Group therapy – Group sessions focus on teaching and practicing DBT skills, such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These sessions provide a supportive environment where clients can learn from each other and practice new skills.

DBT requires commitment and time. It’s a structured program that involves weekly individual and group sessions over several months.

Mental Health Concerns Addressed by DBT Techniques

DBT techniques are particularly effective for individuals experiencing symptoms of borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. By providing coping strategies and emotional regulation techniques, DBT helps manage these conditions, offering a structured path toward recovery and improved mental health.

The effectiveness of DBT in treating various mental health conditions is well-documented. It has been proven to reduce self-harm behaviors, improve emotional regulation, and enhance interpersonal relationships.

Call Columbia Today for Mental Health Treatment

Columbia offers personalized DBT as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and a variety of other treatment modalities designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Our team of experienced therapists and mental health professionals is committed to supporting you through every step of your treatment journey. For more information, visit our mental health therapy services page and discover how we can be a part of your journey to a more satisfying life. Contact us at 703.682.8208 today to talk to an expert team member.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.