Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Developed by renowned psychologist Dr. Marsha M. Linehan, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers a comprehensive approach to therapy, specifically designed to help individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviors, and challenging relationship dynamics.
DBT equips you with valuable skills to understand and regulate your emotions effectively. Through mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness techniques, you can gain control over intense emotional states and make healthier choices in various aspects of your life. Our compassionate psychologists guide you through the process, offering practical tools and strategies to manage emotions, cope with distress, and enhance interpersonal relationships.
One of the core principles of DBT is its emphasis on problem-solving. Our experienced therapists work closely with you to identify and address problematic patterns of behavior and thought processes that may contribute to your challenges. By developing effective problem-solving strategies and enhancing coping skills, you can cultivate resilience and foster long-lasting positive change. Our skilled psychologists tailor DBT therapy to meet your unique needs, goals, and challenges. We create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly express yourself, receive personalized guidance, and work collaboratively towards sustainable growth and well-being.
If you or a loved one is seeking effective solutions to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and develop skills for a fulfilling life, our DBT therapy services are here to help. Experience the transformative potential of DBT at Rebecca Teebay-Webb & Associates. Contact us today to book your appointment and embark on a journey towards emotional well-being, personal growth, and a more balanced life.
Start Your Healing Today
What is DBT Used For?
Chronic emotional instability: Individuals who experience intense and fluctuating emotions.
Self-harm tendencies: Behaviors where individuals may engage in self-injury or self-destructive actions.
Persistent suicidal thoughts: Ongoing thoughts or preoccupation with ending one's life.
Severe mood swings: Frequent and intense shifts in mood that disrupt daily functioning.
Difficulties with relationships: Persistent challenges in maintaining stable and healthy interpersonal connections.
Impulsive decision-making: Acting on sudden urges without considering the long-term consequences.
Intense feelings of emptiness: A chronic sense of being emotionally hollow or void.
Struggles with identity: Uncertainty or confusion about one’s sense of self or personal identity.
Overwhelming anxiety: Extreme and persistent feelings of worry or fear that interfere with daily life.
Substance misuse as a coping mechanism: Using drugs or alcohol to manage emotional pain or stress.
DBT Core Skills
These four core skills are integral to DBT, working together to help individuals build a life worth living by enhancing emotional and interpersonal functioning.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the foundation of all DBT skills. It involves being fully present in the moment, aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. This skill helps individuals focus on the present rather than getting lost in past regrets or future anxieties. By cultivating mindfulness, people can learn to observe their emotions and thoughts as they arise, allowing them to respond more thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively. This practice promotes a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Distress Tolerance
Distress tolerance skills are designed to help individuals cope with and survive crises without making the situation worse. These skills are particularly useful during moments of intense emotional pain or stress. The focus is on accepting reality as it is, rather than trying to change or escape it. Techniques such as distraction, self-soothing, and radical acceptance are used to endure painful experiences in a healthy way. By mastering distress tolerance, individuals can navigate through challenging situations without resorting to self-destructive behaviors.
Emotion Regulation
Emotion regulation skills teach individuals how to understand and manage their emotions effectively. This includes identifying and labeling emotions, reducing emotional vulnerability, and decreasing emotional suffering. By learning to regulate their emotions, individuals can reduce the intensity of emotional reactions and avoid being overwhelmed by them. This skill set also involves building positive emotions through activities that bring joy and satisfaction. Emotion regulation helps individuals lead a more balanced and emotionally stable life.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Interpersonal effectiveness skills focus on improving relationships by helping individuals communicate their needs and set healthy boundaries. This skill set includes strategies for being assertive, saying no, and negotiating for what one wants while maintaining self-respect and relationships with others. By practicing interpersonal effectiveness, individuals can develop healthier and more fulfilling connections with others. This skill is particularly valuable for those who struggle with relationship conflicts or have difficulty expressing their needs and desires.
Start Your Healing Today
Available Therapists
Katie Kinsella
Registered Provisional Psychologist