Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive therapeutic approach initially developed by Marsha M. Linehan to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder. The term "dialectical" refers to the synthesis of opposing concepts, emphasizing the balance between acceptance and change. DBT focuses on four primary skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The therapeutic process emphasizes validating the client's experiences while encouraging personal responsibility for change. DBT is particularly effective in treating conditions involving emotional dysregulation, self-harm behaviors, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. This approach has been successfully applied beyond borderline personality disorder, proving beneficial for helping individuals with mood disorders, eating disorders, and substance use issues.