Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an approach to psychotherapy designed to help control intense emotions. It is similar to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). But while CBT is primarily focused on thoughts and behavior, DBT is designed around emotions. It is a treatment for those that experience emotions in very intense ways.
How Does DBT Work?
There are many components to dialectical behavior therapy, so we encourage you to talk to one of our therapists at Flourish Psychology if you’d like to gain more insight into DBT and how it works. Some components of DBT include:
- Learning how to hold two competing thoughts at the same time.
- Learning how to identify and manage emotions as they occur.
- Learning how to tolerate stress and setbacks without generalizing the future.
- Learning empathy, and how to understand the experiences of others.
All of these are taught through partially structured, partially individualized, heavily researched techniques that have helped DBT adapt to support many different conditions and struggles.
What Does DBT Treat?
DBT can be an appropriate treatment in a variety of different settings. Our therapists that specialize in DBT have worked with hundreds of men and women throughout New York City, and found success in using DBT in many different settings. It was first developed for very specific conditions:
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Chronic Suicidality
Over time, research found that DBT was a beneficial treatment for many more disorders, challenges, and experiences. Now, adapted forms of DBT are used to treat:
- Eating Disorders
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Substance Use and Abuse
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Other Personality Disorders (inc. Histrionic/Dramatic Personality Disorder)
It is especially useful for bulimia and binge eating. There are also situations where DBT therapy may be a worthwhile choice for other mental health conditions as well. You and your therapist will determine what treatment options are best for your struggles and needs.
DBT in NYC with Flourish Psychology
Flourish Psychology is a Brooklyn DBT therapist that works with many patients struggling with BPD, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. If DBT has been recommended to you, or you believe you may have a condition that dialectical behavior therapy is qualified to treat, contact Flourish Psychology, today. We are based in Brooklyn Heights and have an intimate understanding of the ways that DBT – and other therapy modalities – can help benefit our patients here in New York City.