Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT):

DBT is a model by Marsha Linehan developed to help those who struggle with intense emotions, self-harm, extreme anxiety, and more.  The model draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and has specially designed Skills Training to build skills for managing intense emotions, shifting negative thought patterns and behaviors, and improving the quality of relationships.

DBT is often recommended for those struggling with:

• Intense emotions they cannot stabilize or regulate (emotion regulation)
• Severe depression and anxiety
• Self harm: cutting, burning, picking, hair pulling, etc.
• Rage
• Frequent thoughts of suicide
• History of attempted suicide
• Intense fears of abandonment and rejection
• Intense relationships and break ups
• Self awareness or accountability
• Lack of empathy or remorse
• Unhealthy sexual behavior

Benefits of  DBT for teens and adults:

• Learn to self sooth, calm your emotions, feel more stable
• Mindfulness
• Feel more in control of yourself and your life
• Have more stable and healthy relationships
• Learn better social skills
• Increase self esteem
• Prevent permanent damage to yourself, emotionally and physically
• Possibly save your current relationships
• Achieve your goals in work and school
• See a more positive and hopeful future for yourself

What to expect with DBT:

• A commitment to therapy and the tasks involved
• Learning and practicing specific skills in and out of sessions
• After skills are improving, and emotions are stabilizing, then participating in some deeper therapy
• Homework assignments to be completed between sessions
• Family therapy or couple therapy as appropriate
• For teens, some involvement of the parents in the therapy process
• Being held accountable for your actions in and out of therapy
• Direct communication and instruction from the therapist
• Weekly sessions are most effective for this type of therapy

Kelley Emerson has specialized training in DBT and has effectively helped many teens and adults with a variety of issues with her DBT skills.