DBT Explained: Skills to Manage Emotions & Relationships

Emotions running the show? Feeling stuck or making impulsive decisions? Struggling to have the relationships you want?

You’re not alone!

A lot of people feel overwhelmed or stuck when trying to break free of these patterns. This is where DBT can be helpful!

Why are there always so many letters?!?

DBT stands for Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Sounds complicated, but it’s actually pretty simple. The idea is:

You can accept yourself as you are while also working to change.

Two things can be true at once. You are doing your best AND you can learn new skills to make life easier.

DBT is based in four practical skill areas-

• Mindfulness - learning to be present without judgment

• Distress Tolerance - learning how to tolerate difficult moments without making things worse

• Emotion Regulation - understanding, reducing, and responding more effectively to emotions

• Interpersonal Skills - learning how to have healthy, respectful relationships

Ok… so what does that actually look like in therapy?

We might learn and practice a specific skill. We might discuss specific challenges. We might practice responding differently to difficult emotions. We also might learn strategies for handling stress or holding boundaries in relationships. All while building confidence in yourself and ability to cope.

DBT is more like a toolkit. We can’t get rid of our emotions, but we can learn how to handle them in a way that feels better!

If you or your child could use some more tools in your toolkit, schedule a free consultation today!