Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Vancouver
Do you feel like your emotions have control over you? That your emotional world can change with a flip of a switch? Do you struggle to cope with challenges that come your way? If so, DBT may be beneficial for you.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy allow you to be equipped with a range of skills on how to manage feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, anger, depression, and numbness. This modality aims to connect our emotional mind and our rational mind to obtain a balanced and well-adjusted mindset.
What is Dialectical Behavioural Therapy?
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that was developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). It has since been adapted to treat other mental health conditions such as eating disorders, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
DBT was created to support individuals in emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills. The key focus of DBT is balancing acceptance and change. It recognizes that individuals need acceptance and validation for their experiences while also promoting change towards more healthy coping strategies. In DBT, therapists work closely with the clients nervous system with the goal of increasing the development of self-soothing tools.
In DBT therapy you can expect to:
Gain a deeper understanding of what your body is feeling and why it is responding in the way that it does
Learn tools to self-regulate during times of distress.
Gain mindfulness tools to be more present in your life
Increase your ability to cope during change or a crisis
Develop the skills to both manage and accept intense emotions
Cultivate present moment awareness and non-judgemental acceptance
Improving communication and assertiveness
Learn boundary setting and how to say no effectively
Enhance self-care practices and promote positive self-esteem.
Dialectical behavioural therapy places a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. The Gather & Ground therapist’s strive to be non-judgmental, validating, and supportive of their clients while also challenging unhealthy behaviours and thoughts.
DBT Therapy is for you if you:
Feel emotionally out of control
Lack an understanding in the range of your emotions
Struggle to regulate yourself
High reactivity followed by moments of regret and shame
Experience rage, anger, and/or high anxiety
Is Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Effective?
Research has shown that DBT can be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including BPD, eating disorders, substance abuse, and PTSD. Studies have also found that DBT can reduce suicidal behaviour and improve overall quality of life.
At Gather & Ground, we believe in using evidence-based therapies such as DBT to help our clients achieve their goals. Our therapists are trained in DBT and other evidence-based therapies, and we work with our clients to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their unique needs. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists, please contact us.