Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of talk therapy rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Cambridge DBT tailors this approach for individuals who experience intense emotions.
DBT aims to help you:
Understand and accept your difficult feelings
Learn skills to manage these emotions
Make positive changes in your life
The term 'dialectical' refers to the concept of understanding how two seemingly opposite things can both be true. For instance, it might seem contradictory to accept yourself while also working to change your behavior. However, DBT, as practiced by Cambridge DBT, teaches that achieving both acceptance and change simultaneously is possible.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally developed for borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, research shows that DBT, as offered by Cambridge DBT, can also help with issues such as:
Self-harm
Suicide attempts
Depression
Drug and alcohol problems
Eating disorders
It's important to remember that everyone experiences therapy differently. Regardless of your diagnosis or issues, DBT might not be the right fit for you.
DBT is more likely to be effective if:
You feel able to do homework between sessions
You're ready to focus mainly on your present and future, rather than your past
You are comfortable participating in group sessions
While some people enjoy group work, others may find it challenging. You might prefer one-to-one sessions with a DBT therapist, though this option isn't always available.
You can discuss your preferences with your doctor or mental health team to determine what would be most helpful for you, keeping in mind that local options may vary. Cambridge DBT is here to guide you through finding the right approach.
DBT sessions can differ between providers and regions, but they typically include a blend of acceptance and change techniques. At Cambridge DBT, a course usually involves:
Acceptance Techniques
These techniques focus on:
Understanding yourself as a person
Making sense of behaviors such as self-harm or substance misuse
For instance, a DBT therapist might explain that your behavior has been your way of coping with intense emotions. This perspective helps validate your experiences, acknowledging that your actions make sense even if they cause harm or concern to others. It's a refreshing approach where someone says, "Yes, it makes sense," rather than, "No, that's wrong."
Change Techniques
These techniques aim to replace harmful behaviors with helpful ones. This may involve your therapist:
Challenging your unhelpful thoughts
Encouraging you to discover new ways of managing distress
Cambridge DBT ensures a supportive environment where both acceptance and change are integral to your therapy journey.
CBT focuses on helping you change unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving.
DBT does this too – but it also focuses on accepting who you are at the same time.
Copyright © 2024 Cambridge DBT - All Rights Reserved.