Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Maryland
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of behavioral therapy that focuses on developing skills to better manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. It is a combination of standard cognitive behavioral techniques for emotion regulation and reality testing with concepts of distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindful awareness.
During our dialectical therapy in Maryland, patients work with a therapist to identify problematic behaviors and learn better ways of coping with stress and emotional distress. The four main areas of focus are:
- Distress tolerance: Patients learn to withstand painful emotions instead of acting destructively, using techniques like distraction, self-soothing, and improving the moment.
- Emotion regulation: This helps patients to recognize and understand their emotions and how to influence them. It uses tools like opposite action.
- Interpersonal effectiveness: Individuals can learn to communicate in a way that maintains and improves relationships. Setting boundaries, saying ‘no’, and handling conflict are all part of interpersonal effectiveness.
- Mindfulness: Developing an awareness and acceptance of the current moment and your thoughts and emotions is a part of DBT. Meditation and breathing exercises can help in this area.
DBT teaches life-long skills to better navigate challenges, build healthier relationships, and find greater peace and fulfillment. While it requires work, many find that DBT helps them transform their lives in meaningful ways.
What Happens During DBT Sessions in Maryland?
Individuals will attend weekly group sessions where a therapist teaches DBT skills through discussions, demonstrations, and interactive exercises. Lessons cover mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
To benefit from DBT, patients need to practice the skills at home. A therapist will give weekly homework, like using mindfulness techniques, tracking your moods, and analyzing difficult interactions. While the assignments may seem like a lot of work, they’re key to progress.
In addition to group sessions, individuals will also meet one-on-one with their therapist. This provides a chance to discuss challenges, receive extra support, and ensure the skills they are learning apply to their unique situation.
Some DBT programs offer phone coaching, where patients can call their therapist for guidance in crises or when they have the urge to engage in harmful behaviors. Having this lifeline can help keep recovering individuals on the right track.
With full commitment and participation, DBT can be very effective at teaching strategies to navigate difficult emotions and relationships.
How Can Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Maryland Help You?
Learn coping strategies such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation to manage intense emotions in a healthy manner.
Heighten awareness of how your behavior impacts others and acquire tools to foster better connections with the people in your life.
By adopting new coping mechanisms, you can decrease harmful behaviors like self-harm, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, and aggression.
Focus on accepting yourself while actively striving to change unhealthy behaviors, fostering a balanced and compassionate view of yourself and your life.
Acquire skills and a mindset to set personal goals, cope with stress adaptively, and find meaning or purpose. This empowerment can significantly enhance your overall quality of life.
If you struggle with intense emotions, troubled relationships, or unhealthy behaviors, DBT in Maryland may be able to help. Our comprehensive behavioral health therapy services can help you find the healing and peace you need. Let us help you overcome your challenges and live the healthy and full life you deserve!