Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

What is DBT?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based, structured form of cognitive-behavioral therapy initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is now widely used for a range of mental health conditions, especially those involving emotional dysregulation, relationship challenges and high intensity emotions. DBT balances the evidence-based change strategies from CBT, with mindfulness and acceptance strategies to help manage emotions, work towards goals and improve relationships. At YCBT Services we offer DBT-Informed Therapy, a compassionate approach that is flexible to help you find greater emotional stability and build a life that feels more meaningful.
Being awake to see the sunrise representing the struggle of insomnia
Tree in the water reflecting the daytime impact of chronic insomnia

What is DBT-informed therapy?

Not everyone needs and wants comprehensive DBT. Unlike in full-model DBT, DBT-informed therapy, allows for more individualized pacing including reviewing skills more slow or at an accelerated pace. DBT-informed therapy is flexible and person-centered to leverage the wisdom and techniques of full-model DBT, while moving at a pace of one’s own choosing. Weaving together the core components of individual therapy and skills training, Ivy will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that emphasizes the DBT skills and strategies most relevant to your life and goals.

DBT-informed therapy is most suitable in the following situations:

  • When someone doesn’t need or want full model DBT
  • To introduce DBT or bridge from full model DBT
  • To support skill usage after completing full model DBT or to provide a refresher on skills
  • To teach DBT skills alongside other modalities like CBT, ERP for OCD or trauma treatments

If someone has a severe or high-risk condition, full model DBT is typically recommended.

With guidance and support, you can make progress expanding your comfort zone, learning to regulate your feelings, and gaining confidence in your ability to cope with life’s challenges.

If you’re unsure if you would benefit from full model DBT or DBT informed treatment, please schedule a consultation.

The Modules for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Include:

Mindfulness

Skills to build concentration, increase present time awareness, observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, and increase your awareness of the present moment.

Distress Tolerance

Develop strategies to effectively navigate crises and intense emotional pain without resorting to unhelpful behaviors or making the situation worse.

Emotion Regulation

Understand your emotions, reduce emotional vulnerability, and learn to change unwanted emotional responses for greater stability.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Grow your ability to communicate clearly, assert your needs, set healthy limits, grow self-respect and enhance your relationship with others.

YCBT Services integrates evidence-based techniques with mindfulness and compassion to help you achieve meaningful change

National Social Anxiety Center

YCBT Services is proud to be the Bixby Knolls - Long Beach, CA regional clinic for the National Social Anxiety Center, which was established to make quality psychotherapy services available to those in need.

Through research, collaboration and educating clinicians and the public, NSAC is committed to improving services and care for people seeking help for social anxiety. Visit NSAC here for more information about Social Anxiety.

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