DBT Therapy
Therapist Availability:
Ashley Grams
Julie Miazga
Sienna MacLean
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) at Alberta Psychology Group
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based form of therapy that helps individuals manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and build healthier coping skills. Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has since been proven beneficial for a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders.
What Is DBT?
DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that focuses on both acceptance and change. The goal of DBT is to help individuals balance opposing forces: accepting themselves as they are while working toward positive change. DBT is especially effective for those who feel overwhelmed by emotions or struggle with self-destructive behaviors.
DBT is structured around four key skill areas:
-
Mindfulness: Learning to stay present in the moment and accept thoughts and feelings without judgment.
-
Distress Tolerance: Building coping strategies to handle intense emotions and crises without making the situation worse.
-
Emotion Regulation: Developing the ability to understand, manage, and reduce the intensity of emotions.
-
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improving communication and relationship skills to maintain healthy connections with others.
Who Can Benefit from DBT?
DBT is particularly helpful for individuals who experience intense emotional reactions and struggle to regulate those emotions in a healthy way. Common mental health issues that can benefit from DBT include:
-
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
-
Anxiety and panic disorders
-
Depression
-
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
-
Eating disorders (such as bulimia and binge eating)
-
Substance use disorders
-
Self-harming behaviors or chronic suicidal thoughts
DBT is also ideal for individuals who have trouble maintaining stable relationships or who feel that their emotions are unpredictable and uncontrollable.
What Makes DBT Different?
DBT is unique in its focus on balancing acceptance with change. It emphasizes the importance of accepting emotions as they are while simultaneously working toward positive, long-term change. DBT teaches practical skills that can be applied in daily life, making it an effective therapy for those who feel stuck in destructive patterns of behavior.
Additionally, DBT’s focus on mindfulness helps individuals learn how to live in the moment, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional control. This blend of cognitive-behavioral strategies and mindfulness techniques sets DBT apart from other forms of therapy.
How Can DBT Help You?
DBT offers tools for managing even the most intense emotions. By building skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance, you can gain a greater sense of control over your life. Here’s how DBT can help:
-
Reduce self-destructive behaviors: DBT teaches alternative ways to cope with emotional distress, reducing the need for harmful behaviors like self-injury, substance use, or other impulsive actions.
-
Improve emotional stability: Through emotion regulation skills, you’ll learn how to understand your feelings and reduce emotional outbursts or mood swings.
-
Build stronger relationships: DBT’s interpersonal effectiveness skills help you improve communication, set boundaries, and develop more meaningful, healthy relationships.
-
Enhance quality of life: With mindfulness and distress tolerance skills, you’ll learn how to manage stress and enjoy the present moment, leading to greater emotional balance and fulfillment.
Start your DBT Journey Today
If you’re ready to take control of your emotions and start living a more balanced life, DBT therapy may be the right choice for you. Contact us today to learn more about our DBT therapy and how it can help you achieve emotional stability and long-term change.
Reach out to schedule a consultation and learn more about how DBT can help you manage emotions, reduce stress, and improve relationships.