Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy for people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. This therapy is adaped for people who experience emotions very intensely. “Dialectical” means combining opposite ideas. DBT focuses on helping people accept the reality of their lives and their behaviors, as well as helping them learn to change their lives, including their unhelpful behaviors. It was developed in the 1970s by Marsha Linehan, an American psychologist. DBT is effective for people who have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions.  It helps manage mental health borderline personality disorder, self-harm, suicidal behavior, post-traumatic stress disorder, Substance use disorder, and eating disorders.

The main goal of therapists who use dialectical behavior therapy is to strike a balance between acceptance of who you are and your challenges and the benefits of change. Therapist help people with this condition to learn new skills to improve emotion regulation. DBT involves these four types of sessions including ;

i) DBT pre-assessment. During this assesment, therapists ask questions and explaining how DBT works.

ii) Individual therapy. Individual DBT therapy involves weekly sessions with a therapist. Each session lasts 40 to 60 minutes. The goals of individual therapy include to help keep you safe by reducing suicidal and self-harming behaviors, if applicable. The other goal is to limit behaviors that get in the way of productive therapy. It also helps people reach their goals and improve  quality of life by addressing what’s blocking progress, such as mental health conditions or relationship issues. Also, to help people learn new skills to replace unhelpful behaviors.

iii) Skills training in groups. This is where therapists teach people skills in a group setting. Skills include mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation.

iv) Telephone crisis coaching helps to support people in their daily lives.